Explosives and Foreign Pistols Seized at Border

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered three foreign-made pistols and a large quantity of high-powered explosives during a special operation in the border area of Barlekha upazila in Moulvibazar, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cross-border smuggling and illegal trafficking activities.

The seizure was made during a late-night operation conducted by members of the 52 Border Guard Bangladesh Battalion. The information was confirmed on Thursday by Lieutenant Colonel Md Ataur Rahman Sujon, Commanding Officer of 52 BGB.

According to BGB officials, the operation was launched in the early hours of Wednesday night following intelligence reports regarding the movement of suspected criminals in the border region. Acting on the information, a special operational team from the BOC Tila Border Outpost (BOP) carried out a raid in the Barlekha frontier area under the direct supervision of Lieutenant Colonel Ataur Rahman Sujon.

During the operation, BGB personnel reportedly challenged several suspicious individuals in the area. However, the suspects managed to escape by taking advantage of the darkness and dense vegetation surrounding the border zone. Security forces subsequently launched an extensive search operation in the vicinity.

The search was conducted approximately 500 yards inside Bangladeshi territory from border pillar 1385/M. During the sweep, BGB members recovered a cache of weapons and explosive materials believed to have been concealed in the area.

The recovered items included three foreign-made pistols, three kilograms of high-powered ‘Power Gel Ninety’ explosive material packed in 23 separate tubes, 24 detonators, 15 metres of wire used for detonator assembly, and two kukri-style machetes.

Security officials described the recovered explosives as high-capacity materials that could potentially be used for unlawful activities. The seizure of detonators and related equipment has also raised concerns about the possible intended use of the explosives, although authorities have not disclosed further details regarding any ongoing investigation.

Border regions in Bangladesh have long been considered vulnerable to various forms of cross-border crime, including the smuggling of firearms, narcotics, explosives and other contraband. Law enforcement agencies regularly conduct intelligence-led operations to prevent illegal trafficking networks from using remote frontier areas as transit routes.

Officials believe such operations play a critical role in strengthening border security and disrupting criminal activities before they can pose a wider threat to public safety. The latest recovery is being viewed as a significant success, given the quantity of explosives and weapons involved.

Speaking about the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Md Ataur Rahman Sujon said BGB remains committed to preventing smuggling and maintaining security along the country’s borders. He expressed confidence that continued intelligence-based operations would help curb illegal cross-border activities and contribute to national stability.

He added that the force would continue its vigilance and operational activities to ensure that weapons, explosives and other prohibited items do not enter the country through border areas.

The recovered firearms, explosives and related materials have been taken into official custody, whilst further legal procedures and investigations are expected to continue in accordance with existing regulations.