In a coordinated operation on the Karnaphuli River near the Chattogram port area, the Coast Guard has seized 4,000 litres of diesel and arrested nine alleged smugglers while it was being illegally transferred from a vessel. The incident occurred on Sunday night (10 May) in the Dhangarchar area under Karnaphuli Police Station, adjacent to the Diamond Cement Factory.
According to the Coast Guard, the operation was conducted following confidential information regarding the illicit transfer of fuel from a vessel operated under the Chattogram Port Authority. Acting on the intelligence, Coast Guard personnel carried out surveillance and subsequently intercepted the activity during the transfer process.
During the operation, the authorities apprehended nine individuals in connection with the alleged smuggling attempt. The seized diesel, estimated to be worth approximately four lakh Bangladeshi taka, was being transferred from the vessel “Kandari-06” to an oil tanker identified as “OT Azhu Shah”.
Following the arrests and seizure, a case was filed at Karnaphuli Police Station. The recovered diesel has since been handed over to the Chattogram Port Authority for official custody and further administrative procedures.
A Coast Guard spokesperson, Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan, confirmed the details of the operation. He stated that the seizure was made directly during the illegal transfer activity and that appropriate legal measures had been initiated. He also noted that an investigation committee is expected to be formed through the relevant departments to examine the incident and to recommend necessary actions aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Summary of the Incident
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation conducted by | Bangladesh Coast Guard |
| Location | Karnaphuli River, Dhangarchar area, Chattogram |
| Date of incident | Sunday, 10 May (night) |
| Seized fuel | Diesel |
| Quantity | 4,000 litres |
| Estimated value | Approximately BDT 400,000 |
| Number of arrests | Nine individuals |
| Involved vessel | Kandari-06 |
| Receiving tanker | OT Azhu Shah |
| Legal action | Case filed at Karnaphuli Police Station |
| Custody of seized fuel | Chattogram Port Authority |
The Karnaphuli River area is a significant maritime and industrial zone adjacent to the Chattogram port, where vessel movement and cargo handling activities are frequent. Due to its strategic importance, the area is subject to regular monitoring by relevant authorities.
The Coast Guard has indicated that operations of this nature will continue in order to prevent illegal fuel transfer and other forms of maritime smuggling within port and riverine areas. Authorities are also expected to examine procedural and security aspects surrounding the incident as part of the ongoing investigation process.