CHATTOGRAM, March 9, 2026 (BSS) – The Coast Guard arrested two smugglers and seized a cargo boat used for smuggling in Patenga of Chattogram.

They also seized 30,270 packets of foreign cigarettes worth Tk 1.21 crore that had been brought into the country without paying customs duty.

Additionally, 1,050 kg of dried fish were found on the boat, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said this afternoon.

He said the Coast Guard conducted the drive after receiving secret information that a large consignment of foreign cigarettes would be smuggled into Chattogram through the Karnaphuli River near Chinaghat, evading customs duties and taxes.

Following the information, a special operation was conducted by Coast Guard Outpost Patenga at around 2 pm on Sunday. Two individuals were apprehended along with the cigarettes, dried fish and the boat.

The seized goods and the suspects were handed over to Patenga Model Police Station for legal action.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam said similar operations would continue in the future to curb smuggling activities.