Navy seizes 3,000 litres of hoarded diesel in Noakhali

Bangladeshi Navy have seized approximately 3,000 litres of diesel that was being stored illegally in a coastal area of Noakhali district, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The operation was carried out on Friday in Hatiya upazila, with naval personnel supported by local police and administration. The raid targeted the Kalamchar Switch Ghat area in Jahajmara union, where investigators discovered the fuel concealed in 15 barrels adjacent to a local ice factory.

A 45-year-old trader named Md Mohiuddin was taken into custody on allegations of hoarding petroleum products to artificially inflate market prices and reap unlawful profits. 

The seized diesel, valued at a significant sum given current market rates, along with the suspect, have been transferred to Hatiya Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The Bangladesh Navy stated that the operation reflects its ongoing "zero tolerance" approach to curbing illegal fuel hoarding and smuggling across the country, particularly as global energy market pressures continue to challenge supply chains.

Naval officials confirmed that similar anti-smuggling operations are being conducted regularly in coastal and border regions to prevent artificial shortages and protect consumer interests.