A major consignment of illicit drugs has been seized during a carefully coordinated operation by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along the Ukhiya border in Cox’s Bazar, prompting renewed attention to the persistent challenges of cross-border narcotics trafficking. According to official sources, the operation resulted in the recovery of 150,000 yaba tablets, with an estimated market value of approximately Tk 45 million. The successful seizure has been widely viewed as a significant blow to organised drug networks operating along the Bangladesh–Myanmar frontier.
The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, 18 December, at around 4:00 a.m., when a special patrol team from the Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB) was conducting routine surveillance in a remote and sensitive border zone. The patrol was deployed from the Hnila Border Outpost and positioned near the Anwar Project area, located to the south-east of Border Pillar BRM-12. This region is known for its difficult terrain and proximity to river routes frequently exploited by smugglers.
While on duty, BGB personnel noticed a lone individual approaching from the Myanmar side in a suspicious manner. Acting in accordance with standard protocol, the patrol team challenged the individual to stop for questioning. Instead of complying, the suspect immediately attempted to flee. In the process, he abandoned a black polythene bag before running towards the Naf River and swimming back across the border into Myanmar.
Due to the darkness of night, the complex riverine landscape and concerns for operational safety, the patrol team was unable to pursue the suspect across the border. However, the abandoned bag was promptly secured and examined at the scene. Upon inspection, officers discovered fifteen blue, airtight packets concealed inside. Further examination confirmed that the packets contained a total of 150,000 yaba tablets, believed to have been intended for illegal distribution within Bangladesh.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Commanding Officer of the Ukhiya Battalion, confirmed the details of the operation. He stated that intelligence surveillance had been intensified to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the attempted smuggling. He added that the BGB is working closely with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to monitor the movements of known drug trafficking networks operating along the border.
The seized yaba tablets have been handed over to Ukhiya Police Station following all legal formalities. Authorities have indicated that cases will be filed under existing narcotics control laws, and further investigations are underway to trace the supply chain and financial backers behind the operation.
The Ukhiya and Teknaf border areas have long been regarded as vulnerable corridors for drug trafficking due to their geography and proximity to international routes. Despite these challenges, the BGB continues to conduct regular patrols, intelligence-led operations and night surveillance to curb smuggling activities. Local residents have expressed relief following the seizure, praising the vigilance and commitment of border forces in safeguarding the region and protecting communities from the harmful impact of narcotics.