Huge cache of illegal shrimp fry seized in Barguna, released into river

Authorities have conducted a late-night drive based on a tip-off

The fisheries department has seized a massive cache of illegal giant freshwater prawn and tiger shrimp fry during a drive in Barguna.

Acting on a tip-off, officials conducted the raid near the town's New Bus Stand around 2:30am on Friday, Barguna District Fisheries Officer Md Zia Uddin said.

He added that the drive led to the recovery of 2.2 million to 2.5 million fry from 272 drums, carrying an estimated market value between Tk 8 million and Tk 10 million.

"The fry were later released into the Bishkhali River near Boroi Tola Ferry Ghat in the presence of Executive Magistrate Saiful Islam of the district administration," Zia said.

Saiful warned that “strict” legal action would be taken against anyone collecting or transporting shrimp fry in violation of the government ban.

Such operations would continue to protect rivers and the natural environment, he added.

Barguna Sadar Police chief Abdul Alim said the truck and its driver have been detained at the police station.

"We will extend legal support to whatever action the fisheries department takes," he added.