Police and the upazila administration recovered 2,150kg of illegally stockpiled fertiliser during an overnight raid in Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram. A mobile court fined two people a total of Tk 1,00,000 for allegedly hoarding the fertiliser.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Muntasir Mamun Moon of Bhurungamari Circle confirmed the matter this morning.

Police said the raid was conducted in the Islampur area of Char Bhurungamari union, based on intelligence information, led by ASP Muntasir, Bhurungamari Police Station OC Azim Uddin, and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Aminul Haque Tarek.

Authorities searched the houses of Belal Mia and Manik Uddin in Islampur village on allegations of stockpiling fertiliser to create an artificial shortage. Fertiliser was found hidden in cattle sheds, hay lofts and paddy storage facilities.

A total of 1,500kg of urea and 650kg of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser were recovered from 42 sacks.

ASP Muntasir said, “Bhurungamari police are maintaining strict surveillance over the fertiliser distribution system so that no one can create an artificial shortage and make illegal gains.”

Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Aminul said such drives would continue to ensure smooth supply of fertiliser to farmers and prevent illegal stockpiling and black-market sales.in the