Saint martin's island: Bangladesh Coast Guard (CG) detained 22 individuals involved in smuggling activities near Saint Martin's Island. The operation, conducted by the Coast Guard ship 'Apurba Bangla,' resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of cement and Burmese lungis.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the operation took place at 10 pm last night, targeting a sea area southwest of Saint Martin. Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq reported the arrest of 11 Bangladeshi smugglers along with 700 sacks of cement valued at Taka 350,000. The operation was initiated based on secret information about the Bangladeshi smugglers' intention to smuggle cement to Myanmar, bypassing customs and taxes.
Additionally, the same Coast Guard vessel intercepted another suspicious fishing boat near the southwest of Saint Martin's Torn Island. This led to the arrest of 11 Myanmar nationals and the confiscation of 1,200 Burmese lungis valued at Taka 12 lakh. The Burmese lungis were being smuggled into Bangladesh, also evading customs and taxes.
Legal procedures concerning the seized goods, boats, and the individuals arrested are currently underway. The Coast Guard has affirmed its commitment to ongoing operations to combat smuggling activities in the region.