In a major crackdown on illicit fuel trading, a mobile court in Bangladesh has seized 25,000 litres of diesel from an illegal storage facility in Sitalkunda Upazila under Chattogram district. The raid, carried out in the Salimpur Union area near the CIDA Residential Gate, exposed what officials describe as a long-running covert operation run by an organised syndicate involved in the illegal hoarding and distribution of petroleum products.
The operation began at around 7:30 pm on Monday following confidential intelligence reports indicating large-scale fuel stockpiling in the area. The drive was led by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Sitalkunda Upazila, with active support from the officer-in-charge of the local police station, members of law enforcement agencies, and intelligence units. Officials from the Chattogram district administration also coordinated with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation to verify and secure the recovered fuel.
During the raid, authorities discovered three lorry-mounted tanker containers filled with diesel stored inside a concealed depot. Preliminary findings suggest that a powerful syndicate had been operating the site for an extended period, diverting petroleum products into the informal market. The fuel was allegedly being sold at inflated prices to industrial units and transport operators, enabling the group to generate substantial illegal profits while evading government taxes and regulatory oversight.
Local residents reported that the facility remained largely inactive during daytime hours, while fuel transfer and trading activities were conducted under the cover of darkness. Despite repeated complaints to the authorities over time, residents claim that effective enforcement action was delayed, allowing the network to continue its operations unchecked.
Following the seizure, officials confirmed that the confiscated diesel has been taken under state custody. Investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals involved, including those financing and managing the illegal supply chain. Authorities have also pledged swift legal action under relevant laws against those found responsible.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the government would not tolerate any attempt to create artificial fuel shortages or disrupt market stability, particularly at a time when global energy markets remain sensitive due to geopolitical tensions in regions such as the Middle East. He further assured that surveillance and enforcement operations against illegal fuel storage syndicates would be intensified in the coming weeks.
Details of Seized Fuel
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Quantity of diesel seized | 25,000 litres |
| Location of operation | Salimpur Union, Sitalkunda Upazila |
| Storage method | Three lorry tanker containers |
| Time of raid | Monday, around 7:30 pm |
| Led by | Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) |
| Coordinating agencies | Local administration, police, intelligence units, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation |
The incident has created significant local concern, with residents welcoming the enforcement action and expressing hope that continued crackdowns will help restore order in the fuel distribution market and curb the influence of illegal syndicates operating in the region.