A total of 61 members of various robber gangs have been detained in joint operations over the past 18 months.
Captain Mohammad Mesbaul Islam, Zonal Commander of Coast Guard West Zone Headquarters, said on Sunday that they launched drives titled ‘Operation Restore Peace in the Sundarbans’ and ‘Operation Mangrove Shield,’ to curb robber activities in the Sundarbans.
During the drives, members of several groups including Karim-Sharif, Nana Bhai, Chhota Suman, Alif, and Asabur, were detained.
Authorities also recovered 80 firearms and 599 rounds of ammunition during the drives.
Besides, 78 fishermen and three tourists were rescued.
The Coast Guard sources said 944 kg of venison, 900 traps, and a large quantity of illegal goods linked to 29 poachers were seized as part of wildlife protection efforts.
Illegal nets worth around Tk 1,806 crore and a significant amount of fish fry were also seized.
Security surveillance has intensified across the Sundarbans including Harbaria, Kaikhali, Koyra, Nalian, Mandarbari, and Shyamnagar in Satkhira, as part of ongoing anti-poaching operations.
Personnel from the Navy, RAB, Coast Guard, Police, Forest Department, and other agencies are participating in the joint drive.