Coast Guard intercepts Myanmar-bound contraband cement off Hatiya, 3 detained
Chattogram Bureau
Bangladesh Coast Guard personnel detained three alleged smugglers along with a steel-body trawler carrying 1,360 bags of cement intended for illegal smuggling into Myanmar off the coast of Noakhali early Wednesday (August 12).
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon said this in a press release on Wednesday noon.
Acting on a tip-off, a specialized operational team from Coast Guard Station Hatiya conducted a drive in the Meghna River near Maulvir Char under Hatiya Upazila at around 3:00 am on Wednesday.
During the drive, officers intercepted and searched a suspicious steel-bodied trawler, recovering 1,360 bags of cement valued at approximately Tk 6.8 lakh along with the vessel.
Three individuals aboard the vessel involved in the smuggling attempt were apprehended on the spot.
Legal proceedings regarding the seized goods, the trawler, and the detained suspects have been taken.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard will maintain rigorous vigilance and continue anti-smuggling operations across coastal zones to prevent illicit maritime trafficking, the press release added.
