In a daring and meticulously planned anti-narcotics operation along Bangladesh’s border, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) successfully seized a total of 980,000 yaba tablets in two separate raids. Both operations involved armed clashes with drug traffickers, highlighting the professionalism, preparedness, and courage of the law enforcement personnel involved.
The operations were carried out late on Wednesday night in the Hanila and Whykhang border areas. According to intelligence reports, around 12:30 a.m., joint patrol units from the Ramu, Ukhiya, and Teknaf battalions, under the supervision of the Sector Commander and operational leadership of the Additional Director (Operations) of the sector, positioned themselves near the Choudhuripara sluice gate, approximately 1.5 kilometres southeast of the Hanila BOP.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., the patrol team observed 8–10 suspected traffickers attempting to enter Bangladesh from Myanmar. When intercepted, the traffickers opened fire on the BGB personnel. The BGB responded with blank rounds and defensive measures to control the situation.
The traffickers abandoned their consignment in a nearby mangrove area and adopted a defensive position, resulting in an armed standoff lasting nearly an hour. Several traffickers escaped via the Naf River, while four to five fled into local villages. To protect civilians, the BGB refrained from conducting direct engagement in the inhabited areas.
Subsequently, a separate armed confrontation occurred with a local criminal group associated with the fleeing traffickers. With support from the Bangladesh Navy, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and local police, additional patrol units secured the area. A search operation along the Naf River and adjacent embankments led to the recovery of 710,000 yaba tablets.
In a concurrent operation at the northern end of Whykhang BOP, Ukhiya Battalion patrols recovered a further 270,000 tablets in the Monirghona area.
Summary of Yaba Seizures
| Operation Area | Yaba Seized (Tablets) | Time | Participating Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choudhuripara, Hanila | 710,000 | 1:00 a.m. | Ramu, Ukhiya, Teknaf BGB Battalions |
| Monirghona, Whykhang | 270,000 | 11:00 p.m. | Ukhiya Battalion BGB |
| Total | 980,000 | – | – |
The BGB confirmed that all recovered yaba tablets have been handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station, and legal proceedings, including arrests, are underway. Authorities emphasised that such high-risk operations will continue to ensure border security and curb drug trafficking.
Officials also highlighted that the success of these operations reflects strategic planning, inter-agency cooperation, and careful attention to civilian safety, reinforcing the BGB’s commitment to maintaining law and order in border regions.
This operation underlines the capability, coordination, and dedication of the BGB and other law enforcement agencies in countering narcotics smuggling along Bangladesh’s porous border areas.