17,400 litres of hoarded diesel recovered in Chattogram

The Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has seized two oil tankers and recovered around 17,400 litres of illegally stored diesel during an operation in Patenga area of Chattogram. Nine people were also arrested for their involvement in the illicit fuel trade.

According to officials, the operation was carried out at around 3am on Thursday near the Red Buoy area of the Karnaphuli channel under Patenga Police Station, following intelligence reports about suspicious fuel transfer activities.

In a statement issued on Thursday morning, Coast Guard Media Officer Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said personnel from Patenga BCG Outpost intercepted tanker OT Kurbaan Ali Shah while it was allegedly transferring illegally stored diesel to another vessel, OT Sea Star.

During the drive, the BCG members recovered approximately 17,400 litres of diesel, valued at around Tk20 lakh, and immediately seized both tankers involved in the operation.

Nine individuals were detained at the scene on suspicion of participating in the illegal fuel trading network. Authorities said the detainees are currently facing legal procedures, and further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the operation and possible wider networks involved.

Officials confirmed that both the seized fuel and the vessels remain under Coast Guard custody as evidence.

The BCG also reiterated its commitment to continuing operations against illegal fuel storage, smuggling, and other maritime crimes in coastal and riverine areas, particularly in and around the Karnaphuli channel, which is considered a key economic and shipping route in Chattogram.

Authorities said such enforcement actions are part of ongoing efforts to protect national energy resources and prevent revenue losses caused by illegal fuel distribution networks operating in coastal regions.