Two alleged drug peddlers have been killed in Dhaka in what the Detective Branch (DB) of police described as shootout.

The incident was reported around 3am on Thursday (Mar 27) in the capital city’s Aftabnagar area, said police.

The deceased are yet to be identified.

“Being tipped off that some drug peddlers have gathered in the area, police conducted a drive there. Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the drug peddlers opened fire, forcing police members to fire back in self-defense which triggered the shootout.” Mashiur Rahman, deputy commissioner of DB (north) told Bangla Tribune.

“Two bullet-ridden bodies were found from the scene and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the doctor declared them dead,” said Rahman.

Four pistols, 14 rounds of ammunition, 50kgs of hemp and a microbus were seized from the scene, he added.

Police said that they have arrested two people during the raid.