Police detain 351 more in Cumilla drive against drugs, juvenile gangs

Police have detained 351 more people in a special drive against drug traders, juvenile gangs and snatchers across Cumilla district.

The drive was conducted simultaneously in all 18 police station areas of the district by all police units, including the Detective Branch (DB), from Thursday evening until midnight, following instructions from Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman.

Police intensified surveillance at various points in Cumilla city and other areas where teenagers and young people frequently gather and engage in disruptive activities, said Cumilla Additional Superintendent of Police Md Lutfar Rahman.

Senior district police officials directly monitored the operation in the field, he said.

After scrutinising the involvement of the 351 detainees in criminal activities, police were taking legal action against 132 of them, Lutfar.

The remaining 219 were handed over to their guardians after they were found not to be directly involved in criminal activities and after obtaining written undertakings.

According to police sources, the special drive began on September 23 to curb juvenile delinquency and maintain law and order across the district.

Until October 29, a total of 5,246 people were detained in the drive. Of them, 3,151 were handed over to their guardians after providing written undertakings, while legal action was taken against 2,095 people found involved in criminal activities.

District police said the drive will continue to prevent teenagers and young people from becoming involved in criminal activities.

They also said the operation is being closely monitored to ensure that no innocent person is harassed. The district police reaffirmed their commitment to curbing juvenile delinquency.