Cox’s Bazar, Oct 29 (V7N) – Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered large quantities of yaba tablets in two separate operations along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, delivering a major setback to cross-border drug trafficking networks.

In Teknaf, BGB seized 1,80,000 yaba tablets on Monday night following intelligence reports of a significant consignment entering Bangladesh from Myanmar. The Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB), under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman, PSC, conducted an operation near Saifuler Gher, adjacent to Narikel Kathi under Nazirpara BOP. Around 2 a.m., patrols spotted four to five individuals carrying heavy sacks across the Naf River. The suspects abandoned the sacks in the river and fled into dense border thickets.

BGB personnel recovered the sacks from the river, uncovering 1,80,000 yaba tablets concealed using sophisticated methods. The only identified trafficker, Zainal Abedin, son of Eman Hossain from Teknaf Municipality, remains at large. The seized drugs and related evidence were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act.

In a separate operation in Ukhiya, BGB’s 34 Battalion recovered 4,00,000 yaba tablets from the western Dargah Bil graveyard area of Rajapalong Union. No arrests were made. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth Tk 12 crore. Lieutenant Colonel S.M. Khairul Alam, commanding officer of 34 BGB, emphasized that the force remains committed to border security, anti-trafficking operations, and prevention of illegal cross-border activities.

BGB’s sustained operations along the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf–Myanmar border have inflicted significant damage on drug networks. Over the past six months, the 34 BGB battalion has seized a total of 13,41,135 yaba tablets, valued at approximately Tk 40.24 crore, alongside smuggled goods worth Tk 10.54 crore, including cigarettes, cattle, fertilizers, cement, cosmetics, medicines, fuel, hardware, and other items. A total of 95 suspects have been arrested during these operations.

In addition to enforcement, BGB has been actively engaging with local communities to raise awareness about border security and drug prevention. The force has organized community meetings, provided educational support to students, distributed sports equipment, contributed to Buddhist temples, and offered employment support for women through sewing machine distribution. Financial aid has also been provided to victims of landmine incidents along the border.

Lieutenant Colonel Khairul Alam said, “These successful operations reflect BGB’s professionalism, efficiency, and zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking. Our commitment to securing the border and protecting citizens will continue unabated.”

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