Police officers have arrested a 54-year-old man, identified as Dulal Paul, after seizing 100,000 sticks of contraband cigarettes during an overnight raid in Srimangal upazila, Maulvibazar. Law enforcement authorities estimated the total market value of the confiscated tax-evaded cigarettes at approximately 860,000 taka.
Acting on precise intelligence gathered during a routine anti-narcotics and special security patrol on Wednesday night, 16 September, a operational team from Srimangal Police Station targeted a location along Maulvibazar Road. Officers had received information that a large consignment of illicit cigarettes was being assembled on an open pavement in front of the SA Paribahan courier office, preparing for dispatch to other parts of the country.
As the police vehicle approached the site, the suspect attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, officers pursued and apprehended him following a brief chase.
Upon questioning, the detainee directed officers to the hidden stash. In the presence of independent local witnesses, police seized ten large cartons containing contraband cigarettes. The confiscated inventory comprised eight cartons of ‘Star’, one carton of ‘Link’, and one carton of ‘Five Filter Kings’ brand cigarettes, totaling 100,000 individual sticks.
Confirming the arrest and seizure, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Srimangal Police Station, Sarkar Abdullah Al Mamun, stated that police have initiated a case against Dulal Paul under the Special Powers Act for illegal possession and distribution of tax-evaded tobacco products. The senior officer emphasised that targeted law enforcement operations will continue across the region to dismantle illegal trade networks and eradicate tax-evaded goods from local markets.
