BARISHAL, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) - Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested four members of an alleged counterfeit currency syndicate and seized a large quantity of fake banknotes along with printing equipment during overnight raids in the city.

The detainees are Shaon, 17, of Jhautala 3rd Street under Hospital Road area, Alvi, 18, of Nathullabad area, and Tanvir, 18, and Alif, 16, of Bhatikhana area in the city.

Police arrested them around 12.30 am last night following a series of operations at different locations in the city. 

According to police sources, the group was involved in printing counterfeit currency notes and circulating them in different parts of the city, allegedly using children to distribute the fake money.

The incident came to light when Shaon and Alif attempted to purchase cigarettes using a fake Tk 100 note at a tea stall on Bogra Road late Tuesday night. The shopkeeper became suspicious and sought help from local residents. During a search, seven more fake Tk 100 notes were recovered from the two teenagers, who were later handed over to DB police.

Munna, a local resident of Bogura Road, said the youths failed to give a satisfactory explanation when questioned about the currency notes, prompting locals to alert the police.

DB Sub-Inspector Firoz Alam said that based on secret information, police conducted a raid at Tanvir’s residence near Bhatikhana Kazi Mosque and recovered a large quantity of counterfeit Taka 100 and Taka 50 notes, along with a computer, printer and other equipment used for producing fake currency. Some drugs were also seized during the operation.

DB police carried out another raid in Nathullabad area and arrested Alvi. However, police said they faced obstruction from his relatives while attempting to search the house.

The arrested individuals have been taken to the DB office for further interrogation. Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.