The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized large quantities of jet fuel, diesel, octane, and edible oil during two anti-smuggling operations in Patenga and the EPZ areas of Chattogram city.
A special drive by the Coast Guard Outpost Patenga began around 11:00pm on Monday near VIP Road under Patenga Police Station, following a tip-off.
During the operation, officials recovered 7,000 litres of jet fuel, 6,000 litres of diesel, and 1,500 litres of octane. A truck allegedly used for transporting the fuel was also seized. The total estimated value of the contraband is about Tk23.35 lakh.
A second operation around 1:00am near Akmal Ali Sluice Gate under EPZ Police Station led to the seizure of 5,000 litres of edible oil, worth nearly Tk9 lakh. The oil was reportedly offloaded illegally from a vessel near the ghat.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan confirmed the operations on Tuesday afternoon. He said no suspects were detained, as the smugglers fled on sensing the law enforcement presence.
He added that intelligence surveillance has been intensified to trace and arrest the perpetrators. “If required, joint operations with other law enforcement agencies will be conducted to curb smuggling in the area,” he said.
The operations reflect growing vigilance ahead of peak maritime and industrial activity in Chattogram. Officials stressed that preventing fuel and edible oil smuggling is crucial to safeguarding the local market and protecting public revenue.
