Feb 21, 2026 (V7N) - The Bangladesh Navy has arrested 19 alleged smugglers and seized 1,140 sacks of cement from two engine-powered boats during anti-smuggling drives near Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal.

According to an ISPR release issued today, the Navy intensified patrols in the area following reports of attempts to smuggle cement to Myanmar by sea, evading government taxes.

During a routine patrol, Navy ship Prottasha intercepted fishing boat FB Shimanto about 38 miles from Saint Martin’s lighthouse after it tried to flee. A search recovered 450 sacks of cement, 250 sacks of pulses and chickpeas, 160 kilograms of ginger, and 360 bottles of energy drinks.

In a separate drive, another fishing boat, FB Surovi, was detained with 700 sacks of cement. Altogether, 19 members of the alleged smuggling group were arrested.

The release said the cement was being smuggled to Myanmar for higher profits. The detainees and seized goods were handed over to the Navy’s forward base on Saint Martin’s Island for legal action.

END/AJ/RH