RANGAMATI, July 31 (V7N) — Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered a foreign-made pistol, seven rounds of ammunition, and 10 cartons of Indian cigarettes during a midnight operation in the Marishya border area of Baghaichhari upazila in Rangamati.
The operation was conducted by a special patrol team of the Marishya Zone under BGB Battalion-27 at around midnight on Thursday at the 16-kilometre point of the Marishya Majhipara border road.
According to BGB sources, the operation was launched based on intelligence regarding the movement of arms traffickers and smugglers along the border. A team led by Battalion-27 Marishya Zone Commander Lieutenant Colonel Zahidul Islam Zahid (PSC) and Assistant Director Hafizur Rahman carried out the raid.
During the operation, two suspected individuals fled into the nearby hills after noticing the presence of BGB personnel, leaving behind a black bag. A search of the bag led to the recovery of a 7.62mm foreign pistol, seven live rounds of ammunition, and 10 cartons of Indian Petron cigarettes.
BGB said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects. Security patrols and intelligence activities have also been intensified in the border area.
Lieutenant Colonel Zahidul Islam Zahid said BGB remains highly alert to prevent arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illegal activities along the border. He added that operations would continue to keep the border areas free from criminal activities.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Rangamati town, police arrested eight people, including a fugitive accused facing 14 cases, and recovered 50 yaba tablets and a stolen motorcycle.
The arrested suspect was identified as Kazi Ashraful Azam alias Dipu. Local residents had submitted separate memoranda to the district administration and police authorities on Wednesday, alleging that Dipu was involved in drug dealing, intimidation, and various criminal activities.
Following the complaints, Rangamati Superintendent of Police Mohammad Abdur Rakib directed police to take immediate action. A special raid led by Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Jasim Uddin resulted in Dipu's arrest from the Banarupa area on Thursday.
Police also arrested Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, Mohammad Sharif, Ariful Islam Asif, Arif, Royal Barua, Shamsul Alam, and Mohammad Faisal Mannan Arif during the operation.
Police said legal action has been initiated against the detainees, while one of them has already been sent to court. The authorities reiterated that operations against drugs, terrorism, theft, and other crimes will continue.
END/AMR/SMA/
