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The Coast Guard has seized a cargo boat carrying around 21,000kg of cumin allegedly smuggled into Bangladesh from India to evade customs duties and taxes in Patuakhali.
The seized cumin is estimated to be worth Tk1.57 crore, according to the Coast Guard.
Acting on a tip-off, a team from Coast Guard Station Patuakhali conducted a raid near the Lohalia River in the Palpara area of Patuakhali Sadar around 2am on October 4.
The team searched a suspicious cargo boat and recovered the cumin. The boat used to transport the consignment was also seized.
The smugglers fled after sensing the presence of the Coast Guard, and no one could be arrested.
Coast Guard media officer Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the seizure on Tuesday morning.
He said the seized cumin and cargo boat were handed over to Patuakhali Sadar Police Station for legal action.
The Coast Guard will continue such operations to prevent smuggling, he added.