Illegal sand extraction: 53 dredgers, 36 bulkheads seized from Meghna; 6 held

Coast Guard has detained six people and seized 53 dredgers and 36 bulkheads from Meghna river near Hijla of Barishal during an anti-illegal sand extraction operation.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Coast Guard members launched the drive in Saurarchar area of the Meghna river from 9:00am yesterday to 1:00am today, said Lt Commander Harun-or-Rashid, media officer of the Coast Guard in a press release.

During the operation, the team also seized Tk 11,298,240 in cash, 20 grammes of cannabis, and a speedboat allegedly used for extortion.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the detained individuals were also engaged in extortion in the area, the release stated.

Legal proceedings regarding the arrestees and the seized vessels are currently underway.