Teknaf, July 24 (V7N) — Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has arrested two suspected drug smugglers and seized 110,000 yaba tablets worth Tk 3.30 crore during a special operation in the Naf River in Teknaf.
 
The arrested individuals were identified as Jus Mohammad, 30, son of late Dil Mohammad from Kutupalong Rohingya Camp in Ukhiya, and Mohammad Elias, son of Mohammad Hossain from Ali Khali Rohingya Camp in Teknaf.
 
Confirming the incident on Thursday (July 23), Lieutenant Colonel Md. Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Commanding Officer of Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB), said the force has been conducting continuous operations along the border to prevent drug trafficking, smuggling, and other illegal activities alongside its regular border security duties.
 
Based on intelligence information that a large consignment of yaba tablets would enter Bangladesh from Myanmar through the Naf River in the Sabran Border Outpost (BOP) area, BGB planned a special operation under the direction of the battalion commander.
 
According to BGB, a special team equipped with an advanced Phantom boat took a strategic position in the Naf River at around 1:30 am. At approximately 3:00 am, surveillance systems detected a boat entering Bangladeshi territory from Myanmar.
 
When the BGB team moved to intercept the boat, the suspected smugglers attempted to escape. Realising their arrest was imminent, several individuals jumped into the Naf River and tried to swim back towards Myanmar.
 
BGB personnel chased them and managed to arrest two suspects, while another individual escaped into Myanmar under the cover of darkness.
 
A search of the boat led to the recovery of 110,000 yaba tablets, with an estimated market value of Tk 3.30 crore.
 
During the operation, the smuggling boat was damaged after colliding with the BGB Phantom boat and became partially submerged at the scene. Despite difficult weather conditions, BGB officials said their quick decision-making, operational skills, and courage helped prevent the attempted drug smuggling.
 
The arrested suspects and seized yaba tablets are being handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for filing a regular case and further legal action.
 
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