“This illegal activity has been going on since the first week of June, starting at the beginning of the mango season.”

According to various sources, the smuggled fruit is kept in storerooms on the Bangladesh side of the border and sprayed with chemicals by the mango traders so they ripen quicker. After, they sell for 30-40 Takas a kilo at local markets in Teknaf, Ukhiya, Nilla and other areas. Mangoes grown in Bangladesh sell for 45-65 Takas a kilo, according to local sources.

People are buying the smuggled mangoes because their cheaper than local produce, but they may be unaware how harmful these mangoes may be. They may get sick after eating the sprayed mangoes, according to doctor that lives on the border.