A clandestine factory producing counterfeit foreign liquor has been uncovered by police in the coastal city of Cox’s Bazar, in a significant crackdown on illicit alcohol production. During the operation, law enforcement officials seized a large quantity of fake spirits, production equipment, and hazardous chemical substances believed to have been used in manufacturing. One individual has been arrested in connection with the operation.
The raid was conducted in the early hours of Sunday, 5 April, by a team from Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station. Acting on intelligence reports, officers carried out a targeted search of a residential building located in the West Notun Bahar Chhara area under the municipal jurisdiction. The second floor of the building, which had been rented as a flat, was identified as the site of the illegal production facility.
During the operation, police apprehended 40-year-old Mohan Sen, son of Kartik Sen, who is originally from Boroma Union in Chandanaish upazila of Chattogram district. Authorities stated that the suspect had been operating the counterfeit alcohol production setup from the rented premises for some time, disguising it as a regular residential unit to avoid detection.
According to police officials, the factory was engaged in producing imitation versions of well-known foreign liquor brands, which were then likely intended for distribution in the local illicit alcohol market. Investigators believe the operation posed a serious public health risk, as the production involved unregulated chemical mixtures and unsafe bottling practices.
A substantial cache of materials was recovered from the site, including 110 bottles of counterfeit foreign liquor, equivalent to approximately 55 litres, along with 76 empty foreign liquor bottles used for refilling and redistribution. Authorities also recovered a range of industrial and packaging equipment, suggesting a semi-organised production line.
Seized Items
| Category | Quantity / Description |
|---|---|
| Counterfeit foreign liquor | 110 bottles (approx. 55 litres) |
| Empty liquor bottles | 76 units |
| Chemical substances | 16.5 litres (stored in 5 jerry cans) |
| Cap sealing machine | 1 unit |
| Sealing machine | 1 unit |
| Heat gun | 1 unit |
| Corks | 725 units |
| Fake labels/stickers | 780 units |
| Barcode sticker sheets | 8 bundles |
| Security seal papers for corks | 550 units |
| Cash seized | 28,000 local currency units |
In addition to the liquor and equipment, officers also confiscated a range of counterfeit branding materials, including security labels and barcode stickers designed to imitate legitimate imported products. These items indicate a deliberate attempt to replicate authentic packaging and mislead consumers.
Police further noted the presence of 16.5 litres of unidentified chemical substances stored in jerry cans, which are believed to have been used in the mixing and dilution process. Experts caution that such unregulated substances can pose severe health hazards, including organ failure and toxic poisoning.
The arrested suspect has been taken into custody, and a case has been filed under the relevant provisions of narcotics and illicit goods control legislation. Authorities confirmed that he has already been produced before the court.
The Officer-in-Charge of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station stated that operations against illegal drug and counterfeit alcohol production will continue with heightened vigilance. He emphasised that such enforcement drives are essential to protect public health and dismantle underground supply chains operating within residential areas.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional individuals are involved in the network and to identify potential distribution channels linked to the illegal operation. Police have not ruled out the possibility of a wider syndicate operating beyond the immediate locality.