Rangamati, Mar 6 (V7N) – In a joint operation, security forces have seized 31 cartons of illegal foreign cigarettes from Betchhari in Kaukhali Upazila, Rangamati, and arrested four individuals involved in smuggling.

According to Kaukhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam Sohag, the seized cigarettes are valued at approximately Tk 3.2 million. The operation was carried out early Thursday morning (March 6) at the residence of Md. Shamshuddin in Betchhari.

The arrested individuals are: Md. Ismail (38) – Senior Vice-President, Kaukhali Upazila Krishak Dal, Md. Ripon (35) – Joint Secretary, Upazila Tati Dal, Selim Mahmud (40) – Expelled Organizing Secretary, Kaukhali Upazila Jubo Dal, Md. Shamshuddin – House owner

Police sources revealed that an organized smuggling network has been trafficking Indian cigarettes into Rangamati using different routes. The network reportedly changed operations following a government transition on August 5, 2024.

On Wednesday night, smugglers transported 31 cartons of Indian Oris and Moon cigarettes from Rangamati to Ugalchhari in Panchhari, Kaukhali Upazila. By dawn, the arrested individuals hid the cigarettes in Shamshuddin's house in Betchhari. Acting on a tip-off, a joint forces team raided the location and apprehended the suspects along with the smuggled goods.

Kaukhali Police Station SI Zulfiqar has filed a case under the Special Powers Act. The four detainees are currently under interrogation, and authorities have stated that if additional suspects are identified, they will face legal action.

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