The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has seized a large cache of smuggled goods, including foreign cigarettes, banned cosmetics, gold ornaments, and iPhones, during separate raids at the country’s two major international airports.
In a press statement released on Monday, February 23, the directorate confirmed that the total estimated market value of the confiscated items stands at Tk 7,544,540.
Details of the Seizure
The operations were conducted at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram. Acting on intelligence reports, officials intercepted passengers arriving from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Thailand.
Upon searching the baggage of passengers from multiple flights, the following items were recovered:
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Foreign Cigarettes: 1,994 cartons.
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Banned Cosmetics: 238 pieces of “Gouri” skin cream (import-restricted).
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Gold Ornaments: 204 grams of undeclared jewelry.
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Electronics: 4 units of the latest iPhone models.
Legal Action and Commitment
The CIID stated that the goods were brought into the country without any prior declaration, violating customs regulations. The seized items have been handed over to the respective Customs Houses for further legal proceedings, which are currently underway.
A spokesperson for Customs Intelligence emphasized that these drives are part of a continuous effort to:
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Prevent Revenue Evasion: Ensuring the government receives applicable duties.
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Protect Public Health: Regulating the entry of restricted or harmful cosmetic products.
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Support Fair Trade: Discouraging illegal trade practices that harm legitimate businesses.
The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strict stance against smuggling and illegal trade, promising that such surveillance and operations will continue in the future.
