Forest and Coast Guard seize 700 kg of crab and trawler in Koyra during Sundarbans fishing ban; smugglers flee. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, July 27, 2025 (BSS) - In an overnight operation, the Department of Forest and Coast Guard jointly seized 700 kilograms of crab and an engine-run trawler from the Koyra upazila in Khulna, officials confirmed Sunday.

Acting on a tip-off, the team conducted a drive at Charamukha Canal in South Bedkashi Union under the Kopotakshya River late Saturday. Upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, suspected smugglers fled the scene by jumping into the river, abandoning the illicit catch and the trawler.

Md Anwar Hossain, officer at the Kobadak Forest Station, said the seizure took place amid the government-imposed three-month ban on entry into the Sundarbans, in effect from June to August. During this period, all forms of resource collection, including fishing, crab harvesting and honey gathering, are strictly prohibited to allow the forest's ecosystem to recover.

The seized crabs and trawler were taken into custody as authorities continue investigations to trace those involved.