The Coast Guard has apprehended 22 smugglers carrying a massive consignment of food and construction materials near the waters off St. Martin’s Island in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, during a Myanmar-bound smuggling operation.
The information was shared on Thursday evening via a press release by Lieutenant Shakib Mehbub, Media Officer of the Coast Guard’s Eastern Zone. While the identities of the arrested individuals could not be confirmed, they are reportedly residents of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, and Satkhira districts.
Lt. Mehbub explained that in recent times, organized groups have become active, transporting illicit goods by sea in exchange for drug shipments. Around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Coast Guard personnel noticed the suspicious movement of two fishing trawlers near the southwestern waters of Chera Island, St. Martin’s, and instructed them to stop. The smugglers attempted to flee upon noticing the Coast Guard’s presence, but the team pursued and eventually seized the trawlers.
“During the search of the two trawlers, 600 bags of lentils and 650 bags of cement intended for smuggling to Myanmar were recovered. All 22 smugglers on board were arrested. The estimated value of the confiscated goods is Tk 33,57,500,” Lt. Mehbub said.
The Coast Guard confirmed that legal action is underway regarding the seized items, the boats used for smuggling, and the arrested individuals.
