Habiganj, May 23 (V7N) — Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of illegally transported Indian cumin worth approximately Tk 1 crore 17 lakh during two separate special operations in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj district.
According to BGB officials, the smuggled cumin was being transported using forged customs documents in a covered van and a sand-laden drum truck.
The operations were carried out on Friday morning following confidential intelligence reports. A special operational team from Habiganj Battalion (55 BGB) first conducted a raid around 6:00 am in the Muktijoddha Chattar area of Madhabpur upazila.
During the operation, BGB personnel searched a sand-filled drum truck and recovered a huge quantity of Indian cumin concealed beneath the sand in sacks.
Later, at around 7:30 am in the same area, another suspected covered van was stopped and searched, leading to the seizure of additional consignments of cumin.
BGB officials said the vehicles were carrying customs-issued Bill of Entry and Export documents. However, upon verification, the documents were found to be forged photocopies instead of original customs papers. Further investigation confirmed that the fake documents were being used to transport the illegal goods.
Lieutenant Colonel Tanzilur Rahman, Commanding Officer of Habiganj 55 BGB Battalion, said the force would continue its anti-smuggling operations to protect the country’s economy and strengthen border security.
“BGB operations against smuggling and illegal trade will remain ongoing. Intelligence surveillance in border areas has been intensified further,” he said.
The seized import-prohibited cumin is currently being processed for handover to the relevant customs authorities following legal procedures.
END/MMA/SMA/
