Detective Branch (DB) of Police arrested four individuals along with 1,400 litres of illegally hoarded diesel during a drive in Sadar Upazila of Noakhali.
Noakhali District DB Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Mohin Uddin confirmed the information on Saturday morning.
Police said the operation was carried out late on Friday night at around 10:30pm at Uday Sadhur Haat South Bazar under Char Matua Union following a tip-off regarding illegal fuel stockpiling and black-market sales.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Rashed, 38, Md Nasir Uddin, 47, Md Shihab Uddin, 22, and Md Maksud, 32. They are residents of different areas within the upazila.
Law enforcement officials said the raid was conducted at Abdul Malek Oil Store under the supervision of the DB Police OC Md Mohin Uddin and led by Sub-Inspector Md Helal Uddin.
During the operation, police recovered 1,400 litres of diesel and seized a voucher vehicle allegedly used for transportation and distribution of the fuel.
According to police sources, the group is suspected of illegally stockpiling diesel and selling it at inflated prices, taking advantage of market demand and supply fluctuations.
The DB OC said legal proceedings are underway and a case will be filed under the Special Powers Act with Sudharam Model Police Station in connection with the incident.
Such drives against illegal fuel hoarding will continue as part of ongoing efforts to ensure stable fuel supply and prevent market manipulation, the OC added.
