Dhaka: The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized various types of smuggled goods worth over Tk 133.11 crore in the border areas and other places of the country in May last, said an official release of the paramilitary force. The extensive operation led to the recovery of a wide range of contraband items, including gold, textiles, cosmetics, electronics, and agricultural products.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the confiscated items comprised 1.512 kg of gold, 10,544 pieces of saris, 5,140 three-piece or shirt piece garments, 19,314 meters of cloth, and 2.52 lakh cosmetics. BGB also seized significant quantities of imitation jewelry, fireworks, wood, tea leaves, and betel nut, among other goods. Notably, the operation resulted in the seizure of 341 mobile phones, 17,065 mobile displays, 6,540 electronic items, and various vehicles, including trucks, pickups, and motorcycles.
In addition to goods, the BGB confiscated weapons and narcotics. The seized weapons included domestic and foreign pistols, shotguns, crude bombs, bullets, and a hand grenade. The narcotics haul consisted of 6.20 lakh pieces of Yaba tablets, heroin, cocaine, Phensedyl bottles, foreign liquor, marijuana, and a variety of narcotic tablets and injections.
The BGB’s border operations also led to the arrest of 145 smugglers and the detention of 715 Bangladeshi and 10 Indian citizens for illegal border crossing. Legal actions were initiated against those apprehended. Additionally, 390 Myanmar citizens attempting to enter Bangladesh were sent back to their country.