Police seize 6,000 litres of ‘stockpiled’ diesel in Chattogram

The fuel was stockpiled while unloading oil from sea-faring ships and oil depots, police say

Police have seized about 6,000 litres of diesel that was allegedly “stockpiled” in Chattogram.

Two people were arrested in an operation on Friday afternoon near the Madrasa Gate outside Butterfly Park near the airport in the port city, police said.

Patenga Police chief (OC) Mustafa Ahmed told bdnews24.com that after continuous surveillance since Thursday, a joint operation was conducted by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the district administration, and the police on Friday afternoon.

"During the operation, 30 drums filled with diesel were recovered and two people were arrested."

The officer said the amount of diesel seized could be close to 6,000 litres.

A case is being prepared over the incident, he added.

Meanwhile, the district administration said in a media statement that initial investigations had revealed an “unscrupulous group” was illegally removing fuel during the transfer of shipments from sea-faring ships and oil depots and stockpiled them to drive up prices before selling it to local vendors.