Coast Guard detains 23 and seizes DAP fertiliser in Patenga

The Bangladesh Coast Guard said it detained 23 people and seized 450 sacks of DAP fertiliser during operations in Patenga, Chattogram, on Friday.

The Coast Guard alleged that the fertiliser was intended for illegal trafficking to Myanmar.

It said personnel initially searched two fishing boats near the outer anchorage and detained the 23 people.

The detainees then gave information indicating that a fertiliser-laden cargo boat was in the Karnaphuli Channel, the Coast Guard said.

A further operation was conducted near No. 15 Ghat in Patenga.

People aboard the cargo boat fled after noticing the Coast Guard’s presence, it said.

A search of that vessel recovered 450 sacks, or 22,500 kilograms, of DAP fertiliser, according to the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon valued the seized fertiliser at about Tk1.575 million.

The Coast Guard said it also seized the cargo boat.

It said the fertiliser, cargo boat and detainees were being handed over to Patenga Model Police Station for further legal action.