The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized a large consignment of Indian textiles and foreign cigarettes worth nearly Tk 9 crore in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The operation took place on Saturday night, February 14, following intelligence that the goods were being smuggled through the Dhaka–Chattogram highway near Chhoto Kumira Bazar. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque confirmed the seizure on Sunday night.

During the special operation conducted by the Coast Guard Station Bhatiari, officers searched a suspicious covered van and recovered Indian sarees, three-piece suits, lehengas, and 1,298 cartons of foreign cigarettes valued at approximately Tk 8.92 crore. The driver and helper of the van were released after signing written undertakings. The seized goods were later handed over to the Chattogram Customs authorities for legal action.

According to the Coast Guard, similar anti-smuggling operations will continue in the future to prevent illegal trade and protect government revenue.