Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested a key associate of the notorious Asabur pirate gang along with firearms and ammunition during a drive in the Sundarbans on Wednesday.
The arrested was identified as Robiul Islam, 41, who is known as the second-in-command of the gang and hails from Paikgachha upazila in Khulna district.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of Coast Guard officials from Mongla Base and Nalian Outpost conducted a drive around 2:00 PM in Kumar Khali canal area on the Shibsa River and intercepted Robiul, who had reportedly been sent by gang leader Asabur to collect extortion money from local fishermen.
During the drive, a single-barrel gun, four rounds of live cartridges and one empty cartridge were seized from his possession.
Coast Guard officer Lt Ashikul Islam Iman confirmed the detention through a press briefing and said that Robiul had long been involved in piracy and extortion activities in the Sundarbans.
Legal procedures against the accused are underway, added the official.
