Police in Laxmipur’s Ramgati Upazila have uncovered eight abandoned drums filled with a substantial quantity of diesel from a canal, sparking concern over potential illegal storage or smuggling networks. The discovery occurred late on Tuesday night (31 March) in a canal adjacent to the Alexander Fish Market area. Authorities estimate that the recovered fuel totals approximately 1,300 litres.
According to local sources and police reports, a team from Ramgati Police Station conducted a targeted operation based on confidential intelligence. During the raid, officers detected plastic drums submerged beneath the canal water. With assistance from local residents, the team retrieved all eight drums, each believed to have contained a significant volume of diesel, which had likely remained underwater for an extended period.
The recovered drums were subsequently transported to Ramgati Police Station, where initial examinations are underway. Police are investigating whether the fuel was stored illegally for distribution or smuggling purposes. The operation has generated considerable attention in the local community, highlighting concerns about illicit fuel networks.
Summary of the Incident
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Canal near Alexander Fish Market |
| Upazila | Ramgati |
| District | Laxmipur |
| Number of Drums | 8 |
| Estimated Fuel | Approximately 1,300 litres of diesel |
| Time of Operation | Tuesday night, 31 March |
| Conducted By | Ramgati Police Station |
Officer-in-Charge Liton Dewan of Ramgati Police emphasised the seriousness of the case, noting that preliminary assessments suggest a criminal network may have been collecting and concealing large volumes of diesel for illegal purposes. “At this stage, the identities of those involved and the method of dumping the fuel remain unclear,” he said.
Investigators are reviewing nearby CCTV footage, gathering local intelligence, and examining potential waterways that may have been used for transportation. A General Diary (GD) has been filed against unidentified individuals, and authorities are preparing for further legal measures.
Local residents expressed surprise at the discovery, noting that while small-scale fuel transport occasionally occurs via river or canal in the Alexander Fish Market area, finding submerged drums of diesel is unprecedented. They have urged the authorities to conduct a swift and impartial investigation.
Police officials have indicated that identifying the source of the fuel could unravel the full network behind this operation. For now, the incident is being treated as a carefully orchestrated attempt at clandestine storage or smuggling, raising concerns over national fuel security and law enforcement compliance.