CHATTOGRAM, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Navy has seized two engine boats carrying a total of 1,140 sacks of cement destined for Myanmar and arrested 19 smugglers from the Bay of Bengal near St. Martin's Island.

Acting on intelligence about an attempt to smuggle cement by sea to evade customs duties, naval personnel pursued the boat FB Simanta about 38 miles from St. Martin's Lighthouse on Thursday. 

A search of the vessel recovered 450 sacks of cement, 250 kilograms of pulses, 160 kilograms of ginger, and 360 bottles of energy drinks, said a press release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this afternoon.

In a separate operation, another fishing boat, FB Suravi, moving suspiciously in the same area, was also seized. Authorities recovered 700 sacks of cement from this vessel, and together with the first boat, a total of 19 members of the smuggling gang were arrested.

The Navy said the cement was intended for illegal sale in Myanmar for higher profits. The seized goods and the detained individuals were handed over to the Navy's Forward Base at St. Martin for legal proceedings.

The ISPR added that, in addition to safeguarding the country's sea and coastal areas, the Navy continues patrols and operations to combat internal terrorism, drug smuggling, and other criminal activities.