When it comes to airport customs seize goods worth tk2.04 crore in anti-smuggling drive, in a decisive operation on July 30, 2026, officials from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate seized smuggled goods valued at an estimated Tk2.04 crore at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The haul included foreign cigarettes, gold jewellery, banned Gouri cream, and foreign liquor, showcasing the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the economy.
Understanding Airport Customs Seize Goods Worth Tk2.04 Crore In Anti-smuggling Drive
The operation was orchestrated by customs officials from the Airport A-Shift, who acted on specific intelligence regarding smuggling activities at the airport. During their surveillance of baggage from Biman Bangladesh Airlines Flight BG-148, which had arrived from Dubai, officials discovered three unattended bags on baggage belt No. 1. Upon inspection, they uncovered a staggering 370 cartons of Mond-brand foreign cigarettes. Learn more about this topic on Wikipedia.
In total, 481 cartons of foreign cigarettes were seized during this operation, with an estimated market value of Tk21.64 lakh. After accounting for applicable duties and taxes, calculated under a total tax incidence (TTI) of 621%, the total value of the cigarettes reached Tk1.56 crore. This significant seizure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by customs officials in curbing the inflow of illicit goods into the country.
Gold Jewellery Seized from Arriving Passenger
As part of the same operation, customs officials also recovered 99 grams of gold jewellery concealed in the hand baggage of a passenger named Md Tajul Islam, who arrived on the same flight from Dubai. This passenger had previously imported 100 grams of gold jewellery duty-free on June 10, 2026. However, according to the Baggage Rules of 2025, passengers are not entitled to another duty-free allowance for gold jewellery within the same calendar year beyond the prescribed limit.
Given this violation, the newly imported gold jewellery was seized. The estimated market value of the recovered jewellery stands at Tk18.74 lakh, and when factoring in duties and taxes, the total value climbs to around Tk30 lakh. This incident serves as a reminder of the strict regulations governing gold imports and the importance of adhering to those rules.
Confiscation of Banned and Regulated Goods
In addition to the cigarettes and gold jewellery, customs officials also seized 12 kilograms of banned Gouri cream during the operation, valued at approximately Tk2.4 lakh. The presence of such prohibited items highlights the continuous efforts by customs to monitor and regulate the import of restricted goods that pose risks to public health and safety.
Furthermore, the operation yielded 11 litres of foreign liquor from passengers arriving from Kolkata. The liquor, which included various brands, has an estimated market value of Tk2.2 lakh, but when duties are assessed, its total value reaches Tk15.62 lakh based on a tax incidence of 610.3%. The confiscation of these goods reiterates the commitment of customs authorities to enforce laws against the importation of unregulated items.
Legal Proceedings and Future Operations
Following the seizure of these smuggled goods, customs officials have initiated legal proceedings under the Customs Act, the Baggage Rules, and other relevant laws. Authorities are determined to continue their crackdown on smuggling, duty evasion, and the import of prohibited goods. The success of this operation reflects the ongoing vigilance and commitment of customs officials to safeguard the country’s economic interests.
As Bangladesh continues to grapple with issues of smuggling and illegal imports, the customs department’s proactive measures serve as a crucial deterrent against those attempting to bypass legal regulations. Authorities are expected to intensify their surveillance and enforcement efforts at various points of entry, ensuring that the integrity of the country’s borders remains intact.
Originally reported by The Business Standard. View original.
