Huge Cache of Arms and Explosives Recovered in Sitakunda Jungle

Law enforcement agencies have recovered a large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives during a joint operation in the hilly and remote areas of Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda Upazila. Three cases have been filed against unidentified individuals under the Arms and Explosives Acts.

The information was shared by Ahsan Habib Palash, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Chattogram Range Police, at a press briefing at the Khulshi office in Chattogram on Tuesday (March 10).

According to the DIG, 3,173 members of different law enforcement agencies took part in the operation conducted on Monday. The operation included personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh and the Armed Police Battalion, along with officials from the district administration.

Three helicopters, 15 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), dog squads and 12 drones were used during the combing operation across several remote hills and suspected hideouts in the Salimpur forest area.

During the operation, 22 people were arrested and several weapons were recovered. These include three firearms — a domestic pistol, a foreign pistol and an LG. Authorities also seized 27 locally made pipe guns, three pistol magazines, 27 weapon-making pipes, 61 cartridges and about 1,113 rounds of ammunition.

In addition, 11 cocktails, 18 hexoblades and various tools used for making weapons were recovered from the area.

The DIG said the operation also identified CCTV cameras and observation towers installed by criminals to monitor the movements of law enforcement agencies. These surveillance systems were dismantled during the raid.

No casualties were reported, and law enforcement agencies currently maintain control over the Salimpur and Alinagar areas. Temporary security camps have been set up to maintain order and continue monitoring the region.

Authorities suspect that some local influential individuals and land grabbers may have assisted the criminals. The district administration will investigate the matter and take legal action if necessary.