315 cartons of foreign cigarettes seized at Chattogram airport

Authorities at Shah Amanat International Airport seized 315 cartons of cigarettes from a passenger arriving from Sharjah last night (2 April).

The seizure was made around 9:45pm following a tip-off, during a joint operation by the airport National Security Intelligence (NSI) team, Customs Intelligence and the airport customs wing, according to a press release of the airport authority this morning (3 April).

The passenger, identified as Md Rakibul Islam, arrived on an Air Arabia flight G9-520 from Sharjah. A search of his baggage led to the recovery of the cigarettes.

Officials said the total quantity seized was 315 cartons, equivalent to 630,000 sticks. The estimated revenue from the seized goods stands at Tk6.3 lakh.

The consignment has been confiscated under departmental procedures and kept under the custody of Chattogram Custom House.

However, the passenger was released after being verbally warned by Customs Intelligence and airport customs officials.

Authorities said surveillance at the airport will continue to be strengthened to prevent the entry of prohibited goods and curb revenue evasion.