Border Guard Bangladesh seized 1.4 million yaba tablets worth around Tk 42 crore from a boat in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Wednesday, arresting two suspected drug traffickers who allegedly tried to enter Bangladesh disguised as fishermen.
A special patrol team of the 64 BGB Battalion conducted the drive near the switch gate adjacent to Hnila Border Outpost around 12:30pm.
According to BGB, surveillance along the border had been strengthened for a long time using intelligence, drones, and technology-based monitoring.
The smugglers allegedly tried to enter Bangladesh by boat during the day, posing as fishermen and carrying the yaba consignment.
When BGB personnel challenged them after noticing their suspicious movements, they tried to flee but were detained.
An initial search of the boat found no drugs. Later, BGB personnel noticed several lightly floating sacks tied to the boat with ropes in the water.
The sacks were recovered and searched, leading to the seizure of 1.4 million yaba tablets packed in blue packets and stored in 140 khaki-coloured cartons.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Zahirul Islam, commander of Ukhiya Battalion 64 BGB, said anti-drug operations would continue.
“Despite various challenges and limitations along the border, BGB personnel are performing their duties with the highest level of professionalism by increasing the use of technology and manpower,” he said.
He said BGB efforts would continue to bring smuggling down to zero.
BGB also said that 14.3 million yaba tablets had been seized and 243 people arrested in the Ukhiya Battalion area from January 1 to September 9 this year.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
