The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested 19 traffickers along with 1,140 sacks of cement and a huge quantity of essential food items while they were being trafficked to Myanmar.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Shujon confirmed the matter on Thursday afternoon.
He stated that, based on a tip, the Coast Guard vessel “Apurba Bangla”, conducted a special drive at around 2am on Thursday in the sea area adjacent to the southeast of Cheradwip, Saint Martin’s.
According to him, during the drive, two suspicious fishing boats were searched, resulting in the seizure of 1,140 sacks of cement valued at approximately Tk11 lakh, in addition to 5 sacks of garlic, 50 sacks of chickpeas, 20 sacks of potatoes, and 7,080 bottles of Royal Tiger Energy Drink, which were being illegally transported into Myanmar, evading customs duties and taxes.
Along with the seized goods, the two fishing boats were also seized, and 19 traffickers were arrested.
He also informed that further legal action against the seized goods, the boats used in trafficking, and the arrested individuals is in process.
The media officer further said that the Coast Guard will continue such operations in the future to prevent trafficking and smuggling.
