A total of 9 lakh 80 thousand pieces of yaba have been recovered in two separate operations conducted by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the Hnila-Hoi Kyung border in Cox’s Bazar. During this time, the BGB also exchanged fire with the smugglers.

BGB sources said that on Wednesday (February 18) at approximately 12:30 am, based on intelligence information, a joint patrol team consisting of Ramu Sector, Ukhia and Teknaf battalions led by the Additional Director (Operations) conducted the operation under the direct guidance of the Sector Commander of Ramu Sector.

A strategic position was taken in the area adjacent to Chowdhurypara Sluich Gate, about one and a half kilometers southeast of the Hnila BOP in Ukhia. At around 1 am, when BGB members saw 8-10 suspicious people entering Bangladesh from Myanmar, the smugglers opened fire indiscriminately.

In self-defense, the BGB also fired blank shots. The two sides exchanged fire for about an hour in the Naf River and Keora Jungle area. At one point, the smugglers scattered by dropping the yaba they were carrying. Some fled across the Naf River and 4-5 tried to enter a nearby village. Considering the safety of the local people, the BGB did not fire effective fire at them.

At that time, a local gang of robbers opened fire at the smugglers who had entered the village with the intention of snatching the yaba. This led to another exchange of fire between both sides.

The BGB called on the Bangladesh Navy, RAB and police, who are on duty in Teknaf, for assistance to bring the situation under control.

Additional patrols reached the spot and established dominance in Chowdhurypara village and brought the situation under control.

Later, the BGB conducted a search in the Naf River and the adjacent embankment area and recovered 7 lakh 10 thousand pieces of Yaba. Those concerned claim that this is one of the largest Yaba recoveries by the law enforcement agencies in recent years.

Earlier, on Tuesday (February 17) at around 11 pm, another special patrol team of the Ukhia Battalion recovered 2 lakh 70 thousand pieces of Yaba from the Monirghona area, one and a half kilometers north of the Hoi Kyung BOP. The BGB confirmed that a total of 9 lakh 80 thousand pieces of Yaba were recovered in the two operations.

Intelligence surveillance has been intensified to identify and arrest smugglers. The recovered Yaba has been handed over to the Teknaf Model Police Station and a case is under process in this regard.

The BGB said that in addition to border security, the force is taking a strict stance in preventing drugs and smuggling, and such operations will continue in the future.