Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized a huge quantity of jet fuel, diesel, octane and edible oil during two separate special drives in Patenga area of Chattogram city.
A truck used for transporting the fuel was also confiscated during the operation.
According to Coast Guard sources, a raid was conducted around 11 pm on Monday in the VIP Road area under Patenga Police Station based on secret information. During the operation, members of Coast Guard Outpost Patenga searched a hidden storage facility where fuel was allegedly stockpiled for illegal sale.
The team recovered approximately 7,000 liters of jet fuel, 6,000 liters of diesel and 1,500 liters of octane worth around Tk 2.335 million. A truck used for transporting the fuel was also seized from the spot.
In another operation around 1:00 am at Akmal Ali Sluice Gate area under EPZ Police Station, Coast Guard personnel seized around 5,000 liters of edible oil worth nearly Tk 900,000, which had allegedly been illegally unloaded from a ship near the jetty area.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan confirmed the matter on Tuesday (May 19) afternoon.
He said the smugglers managed to flee after sensing the presence of the raiding team, and therefore no arrests could be made during the operations. However, intelligence surveillance has been intensified to identify and apprehend the masterminds involved. Coordinated drives with other law enforcement agencies will also be conducted if necessary.
Legal procedures regarding the seized fuel, edible oil and truck are currently underway. The Coast Guard also stated that such anti-smuggling operations will continue in the future to prevent illegal trade activities.
