A joint operation by the Coast Guard and local police foiled an attempt to smuggle goods to Myanmar, seizing a sea-going fishing trawler loaded with contraband in Bhola’s Monpura Upazila early Saturday.
Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement raided Latakhali Ghat in the Uttar Sakuchia Union at around 3:00 AM. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Md. Jewel, a local resident, while trawler owners Md. Idris Majhi and Md. Riaz fled the scene after sensing the presence of the police.
During the raid, officials recovered 450 bags of cement, 400 liters of diesel, four bags of fertilizer, and a quantity of rice from the vessel.
Monpura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Mazaharul Islam confirmed the details, stating that the local syndicate was preparing to transport the goods illegally across the maritime border to Myanmar.
On Sunday afternoon, police filed a formal case against Jewel, the two fugitive owners, and 8 to 10 unidentified accomplices. Jewel was subsequently sent to court, and law enforcement is continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.
