Rangamati, Dec 08 (V7N) – Bangladesh Army achieved a significant success in preventing cross-border smuggling in Rajsthali upazila, Rangamati, by intercepting a large consignment of Indian cigarettes and cash late on Saturday night. Around 9:30 p.m., a special search operation led by Senior Warrant Officer Md. Mizanur Rahman at the Mitingachhari TOB Camp resulted in the seizure of a pickup truck carrying smuggled goods worth approximately Tk 21.5 lakh, along with Tk 1.5 in cash, and the arrest of four smugglers, including a local union council member.

The confiscated items included 8 cartons of Oris, 10 cartons of Patron, and 5 cartons of Benson, totaling 10,000 cigarette packs. The arrested individuals were identified as Shimul Das, 45, a member of Bangalhalia Union Parishad; Md. Sajjad Islam, 22, from Pathorbon Para; Md. Mohibul Hasan, 23, from Shafipur; and Roni Tanchangya, 20, from Rajsthali Bazar.

Following the operation, Captain Mortuza Saif Russel, Commander of Rajsthali Army Camp, inspected the site and handed over the detained suspects, the pickup truck, and the seized cigarettes to the local Rajsthali Police Station. SI Md. Hafiz of Rajsthali Police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway.

Local sources indicate that Dalim and Shimul Das are believed to be the main figures behind this smuggling network. Smugglers have long exploited the rugged border areas to bring in illegal goods from India. However, joint efforts by the army and law enforcement agencies have recently reduced such activities, though locals are calling for enhanced patrols and intelligence operations in the hilly border regions.

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