Sundarbans, Apr 07 (V7N)– The Bangladesh Coast Guard has recovered firearms, ammunition, and weapon-making equipment during an operation in the Sundarbans, officials announced Monday night. The raid targeted a known gang of forest robbers.  

"The Coast Guard has recovered firearms and bullets used by forest robbers during a raid in the Sundarbans," Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed.

The operation, conducted on Monday afternoon, resulted in the seizure of two single-barrel guns, 11 rounds of bullet shells, two toy guns, and various locally-made weapons, along with equipment used in their manufacture. The items were discovered in the vicinity of the old Jhapsi Forest Office within the Sundarbans.

"On Monday afternoon, 2 single-barrel guns, 11 rounds of bullet shells, 2 toy guns and various indigenous weapons including weapons-making equipment were recovered from the area adjacent to the old Jhapsi Forest Office in the Sundarbans," Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq detailed.

The Coast Guard has attributed these recovered weapons and equipment to the notorious forest robber Karim Sharif and his criminal group, who operate within the Sundarbans.

"The Coast Guard said that these weapons belong to the notorious forest robber Karim Sharif of the Sundarbans and his gang," the media officer stated.

According to Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, the raid was initiated based on confidential intelligence indicating that Karim Sharif and his gang were preparing for a robbery in the area near the old Jhapsi Forest Office. Upon detecting the presence of the Coast Guard, the forest robbers reportedly abandoned their boats and fled deeper into the dense forest.

"He said that the Coast Guard conducted a raid in the area adjacent to the old Jhapsi Forest Office in the Sundarbans based on secret information that notorious forest robber Karim Sharif and his gang were preparing for a robbery. At that time, sensing the presence of the Coast Guard, the forest robbers abandoned their boats and fled deep into the forest," Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq explained.

Following the escape of the suspects, a thorough search of the area was conducted, leading to the discovery and seizure of the illegal weapons and related equipment.

"Later, a search was conducted at the spot and these illegal weapons and equipment were seized," he added.

The Coast Guard has stated that legal proceedings are underway regarding the recovered items. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat illegal activities and maintain security within the vital Sundarbans region. 

"He said that legal action is being taken regarding the recovered goods," Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq concluded.

END/MPS/RH/