Illegal Diesel Stock Seized in Raid

A joint mobile court operation in northern Chattogram has uncovered and seized approximately 25,000 litres of illegally stored diesel from an organised fuel syndicate operating in the industrial belt of Sitakunda Upazila, Chattogram District, Bangladesh.

Acting on a tip-off, the raid was carried out on Monday evening at around 7:30 pm in the Salimpur area near the CDA residential gate under Salimpur Union, Sitakunda, Bangladesh. The operation was led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Fakhrul Islam, in coordination with the Officer-in-Charge of Sitakunda Model Police Station, Mahinul Islam, members of law enforcement agencies, and intelligence officials from Directorate General of Forces Intelligence.

During the operation, authorities discovered three tanker lorries used as mobile storage units, containing the illicitly stockpiled diesel. The seized fuel was estimated at around 25,000 litres. Officials confirmed that the operation was conducted in coordination with the Chattogram district administration and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation.

Details of the seizure

According to official sources, the syndicate had long been operating a covert fuel distribution network from the site. The illegally stored diesel was allegedly supplied to industrial units and transport operators at inflated prices, enabling large-scale profit while evading state taxes and regulatory oversight. Authorities also warned that such activities could pose significant safety risks, particularly in densely populated and industrial zones.

Local residents stated that the depot remained relatively inactive during daytime hours, while fuel transfers and logistical movements reportedly increased under cover of darkness. Although concerns had been raised previously, no decisive action had been taken until the recent coordinated intervention.

Law enforcement officials indicated that investigations are underway to identify all individuals involved in the syndicate. Legal proceedings will be initiated under relevant laws governing fuel storage, taxation, and public safety violations.

UNO Mohammad Fakhrul Islam stated that stricter monitoring and continued enforcement drives would be maintained to prevent artificial fuel shortages, particularly amid global geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets. He emphasised that no group would be allowed to manipulate fuel supply chains or create instability in local markets.

Authorities have further assured that surveillance in the region will be intensified to dismantle similar illegal storage and distribution networks operating across industrial zones in Chattogram.