Bangladesh Coast Guard Arrests 24 Traders Smuggling Goods to Arakan State in Two Days
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested 24 traders over a two-day period for attempting to smuggle commercial goods from Bangladesh to Arakan State, seizing boats and large quantities of cargo during maritime patrols, according to official sources.
The arrests took place between December 23 and 24 as Coast Guard units intercepted vessels transporting cement, mosquito nets, fertilizer, and medicines by sea toward Arakan State, amid tightened enforcement along the coastal and border waters.
On December 23 at around 11:00 p.m., Coast Guard personnel detained 22 traders and seized two boats in waters south of Chhera Island. The vessels were carrying 1,300 bags of cement and 7,200 mosquito nets, with an estimated total value of approximately 1.074 million Bangladeshi taka. Deputy Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed the seizure while speaking to The Territory News.
A day later, on December 24 at about 1:00 p.m., another Coast Guard operation led to the arrest of two additional traders near the waters adjacent to Naziratek in Cox’s Bazar District. One boat was seized while transporting 88 bags of urea fertilizer valued at around 850,000 taka, according to an official Coast Guard statement.
Authorities said all seized goods, boats, and detained individuals are currently being processed under relevant laws and regulations.
The latest arrests follow a similar incident on December 19, when the Bangladesh Coast Guard detained eight traders aboard a boat carrying cement bags allegedly destined for Arakan State.
Bangladesh authorities have reportedly imposed strict restrictions on the export of goods—including medicines—to Arakan State, with security forces intensifying patrols to curb cross-border smuggling through maritime routes.
Comments
Post a Comment