The upazila administration has seized around 5,000 cubic feet of sand during a drive against illegal sand and soil extraction in Fatikchhari, Chattogram.

The administration has taken an initiative to sell the seized sand through an open auction and deposit the proceeds into the government treasury.

The drive was conducted from 5:30am to 8:00am on Wednesday (November 4) in different areas of Paindong and Bhujpur unions. The operation was led by Rahmat Ullah, Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate, with assistance from Ansar members.

According to the upazila administration, acting on a tip-off, the team conducted raids in Fakirachan area of Ward No. 1 in Paindong Union, as well as the Rubber Dam and Amtali areas of Ward No. 7 in Bhujpur Union.

During the operation, around 5,000 cubic feet of illegally stockpiled sand were seized from different locations. Several shovels and rafts used for sand extraction were also confiscated.

The administration has already issued a notice for the open auction of the seized sand. The proceeds from the auction will be deposited into the government treasury, officials said.

Rahmat Ullah, who led the operation, said drives against illegal sand and soil extraction would continue in the interest of environmental protection and public welfare.

He added that legal action would be taken against those involved in such activities.