Chattogram: Three suspected drug peddlers were killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Railway Canteen in city’s Khulshi area early Thursday.

Two of the deceased were identified as Jakir Hossain, 31, and Dalim Hossain, 32, of Morelganj in Bagerhat district while the identity of the other one could not be known immediately.

Being tipped off that drugs were being carried in a private car, a team of RAB-7 conducted a drive in the area around 3:30am, said ASP Mimtanur Rahman of RAB-7 (Media), reports the UNB.

When the elite force asked the private car to stop, the criminals opened fire on them forcing the elite force members to fire back in self-defence.

At one stage, RAB members recovered the bodies along with 120 kgs hemp, two firearms and bullets from the spot.

With the latest deaths, at least 151 people were killed in ‘gunfights’ with members of law enforcement agencies while 37 bodies of suspected drug traders were recovered after reported gun battles between rival groups during the countrywide anti-narcotic drives since 15 May.