Imported garlic being smuggled out to India thru\\\' SW border

KHULNA, Sept 28 (UNB): Huge amount of garlic imported from China is being smuggled out to India daily through different border points of the south-western region as the cooking ingredient has seen its increasing demand in the markets of the neighbouring country in recent time.
A number of sources, wishing anonymity, said smugglers' gangs in collusion with some members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are sending garlic to India in illegal ways through different lands ports, including the one in Satkhira.
The imported garlic just after being released at Chittagong port goes to the neighboring country through unapproved routes.
Many people, including women and children, of different villages, especially the bordering ones, in Satkhira district are engaged in smuggling of the garlic causing heave losses to the government.
Al Ferdous Alfa, proprietor of Messer's Ashik Enterprise, CAF agent of Bhomra land port, said about 1,000 tonnes of garlic are imported daily through Chittagong port, adding that several firms, including his one, clear garlic imported from China at the main sea port on behalf of the importers.
The businessman said about 70-80 tonnes of garlic are imported from India through Bhomra land port daily and added that the price of one kg Indian garlic stands at Tk 35-38 while price of per kg Chinese garlic is Tk69-70.