Rangamati, Dec 22 — Security forces in Rangamati have arrested a young man carrying nearly Tk 9 lakh worth of foreign cigarettes brought illegally from India through the Harina border in Barkal Upazila.

The operation took place around 12:30 pm on Monday at the Subalong Checkpost, where a Burmese boat carrying the contraband was intercepted. The arrested individual has been identified as Dhanyo Jyoti Chakma, 22, a resident of Pakmar village in Barkal Upazila’s 5 No. Borharina Union and the son of Bimal Nanda Chakma.

According to security sources, the operation was conducted following intelligence reports that a boat carrying foreign cigarettes without paying customs duties was entering Bangladesh from India. Security forces increased vigilance in the area, and the suspicious boat, wrapped in special polythene, was stopped and searched at the Subalong Checkpost.

During the search, a large quantity of foreign cigarettes was recovered, including 3,470 cartons of the ‘Oris’ brand and 1,480 cartons of the ‘XSO (Black Fruit)’ brand. The total estimated market value of the seized cigarettes is approximately Tk 8.91 lakh.

The arrested individual failed to provide any legal documents for the cigarettes, and the Burmese boat used for smuggling also lacked proper documentation, according to security sources.

Barkal Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Rafiqul Islam confirmed the incident via phone and stated that the arrested person, along with the seized cigarettes and the boat, had been sent to the police station. Legal action is currently underway, and a case has been initiated.

Local sources noted that smugglers are increasingly using the Harina border as a new route for illegal cigarette trafficking. Security forces’ vigilant monitoring has helped intercept a major shipment, and continued operations are expected to significantly curb the flow of contraband through the border areas.

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