a system of coordinated measures for apprehending (criminals or other individuals); "caught in the police dragnet"
A dragnet is a method used by police to catch suspected criminals. A large number of police officers search a specific area, in the hope that they will eventually find the person they are looking for. a massive police dragnet for two suspected terrorists
{i} net which is dragged in fishing or hunting, trawl for trapping fish or small game; method by which someone or something is found or caught
a system of coordinated measures for apprehending (criminals or other individuals); "caught in the police dragnet