Dhaka, Dec. 10 -- The Bangladesh Navy has detained 22 people and seized two engine-powered boats carrying 1,500 bags of cement while attempting to smuggle them to Myanmar through the Bay of Bengal near St Martin's Island in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

During a routine night patrol on Tuesday, the Navy intercepted the boats from deep-sea waters, the force's public relations wing said.

It added that intelligence indicated a syndicate was preparing to smuggle Bangladeshi Diamond Cement to Myanmar, evading customs duties. Patrols were intensified around St Martin's Island and nearby areas.

The seized vessels -- Khaja Garib-e-Neowaz-6 and Ma Babar Dowa-10 -- along with the cement and detained individuals, have been handed over to Teknaf police for...