Khulna, Oct. 20 -- Forest officials detained nine people along with a cargo vessel carrying 230 tonnes of coal from the Bhola River in the eastern Sundarbans on Monday night over illegal transportation and smuggling.

The cargo vessel, named Hasan Bhandari, was carrying the coal from Joymoni in Mongla to Patharghata through the Sundarbans, according to forest officials.

During a patrol, officials intercepted the vessel on charges of illegal entry into the forest area.

The crew members said they were heading towards the Amua area of Patharghata.

The nine detainees were held after failing to produce valid documents for the purchase of the coal.

The detainees were Md Tarikul Islam, 34, Dulal Hawlader, 34, Md Sumon Talukder, 21, Md Nur Na...