by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | November 24, 2025
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained nine men for allegedly attempting to smuggle limestone toward Rakhine State. Officials intercepted their motorboat this afternoon before it entered Myanmar’s territorial waters, marking another incident in a growing pattern of cross border smuggling along the Teknaf coastline.
Residents living near the Teknaf shore said it is common to see or hear boats moving quietly at dawn or late at night. One fisherman said they often hear engines in the darkness without knowing who is on board. He said the Coast Guard acted quickly today, stopping the vessel before it could slip away.
Lt. Commander Siam ul Haq confirmed the arrests. He said the men had been using a network of narrow waterways known for smuggling activities. These routes are used not only for limestone but for a range of illicit goods moving between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Authorities suspect the group may have links to drug trafficking rings operating in the border area.
During preliminary questioning, Coast Guard personnel learned that the group frequently navigated slim channels surrounded by mangrove trees. These quiet passages make it easier for smugglers to conceal their movements and avoid patrols.
The arrests come at a time when the Coast Guard has increased surveillance along the maritime border. In recent months, officials have reported a rise in smuggling attempts and human trafficking cases, adding to the concerns of communities already facing difficulties near the border.
The nine detainees are currently in Coast Guard custody. Officials said more information will be made public once the investigation progresses.
