Navy arrests 11 while smuggling diesel, cement to Myanmar

The Bangladesh Navy has arrested 11 people along with 1,000 litres of diesel, 650 bags of cement and a mechanised fishing boat while attempting to smuggle the goods to Myanmar through the Bay of Bengal.

The arrests were made during a routine naval patrol on Friday, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday, December 27.

ISPR said the Navy regularly conducts patrols to safeguard the country’s maritime borders, ensure security at sea and curb illegal activities. 

Acting on intelligence about a smuggling ring operating through sea routes to evade customs duties, the Navy intensified surveillance in the St Martin’s Island and adjacent areas.

During the patrol, the Bangladesh Navy ship Shaheed Mohibullah detected a suspicious fishing boat about 42 nautical miles from the Kutubdia Lighthouse, near the outer anchorage area. When signalled to stop, the boat attempted to flee by changing course. After a chase, the naval vessel intercepted and seized the boat, identified as FB Ankita Anwesha.

A search of the boat led to the recovery of 1,000 litres of diesel and 650 bags of locally produced cement. Eleven individuals involved in the smuggling were also detained.

Quoting the detainees, ISPR said the goods were being transported to Myanmar for illegal sale in pursuit of higher profits. The seized materials, the boat and the arrested individuals were later handed over to Patenga Model Police Station for further legal action.

ISPR added that the Bangladesh Navy will continue its operations and patrols in coastal and maritime areas to prevent smuggling, terrorism, drug trafficking and other criminal activities.