Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained 10 individuals and seized a massive haul of potatoes during an anti-smuggling operation in the Bay of Bengal while the goods were being illegally transported to Myanmar.
The operation was carried out on Sunday morning in the maritime area adjacent to the Sangu Gas Field off the coast of Chattogram, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon said in the afternoon.
Acting on a tip-off, the Coast Guard ship ‘Joy Bangla’ launched a special drive at 8am on Sunday in the maritime area adjacent to the Sangu Gas Field off the coast of Chattogram. During the operation, the personnel intercepted a suspicious fishing boat.
Upon searching the vessel, the Coast Guard recovered 22,500 kg of potatoes and 230 litres of diesel intended for smuggling into Myanmar. The fishing boat used in the operation was also impounded, and 10 suspected smugglers on board were taken into custody.
Lieutenant Commander Sujon stated that the process of taking legal action against the detained individuals and handling the seized goods is currently underway. He further emphasised that the Coast Guard will maintain its vigilance and continue such operations to curb smuggling and illegal activities in the future.
