Over 1,300 cartons of foreign cigarettes seized at Chattogram airport

Authorities seized a large consignment of smuggled foreign cigarettes from the international arrival terminal of Shah Amanat International Airport last night (2 May) in a joint drive involving intelligence and customs agencies.

According to a press release issued by the airport’s Public Relations Manager Ibrahim Khalil, the operation was carried out around 10:50pm under the leadership of the National Security Intelligence and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, with support from airport customs and customs intelligence units.

During the drive, officials searched the baggage of a passenger arriving from Muscat on a SalamAir flight and recovered 280 cartons of cigarettes.

In a separate recovery, 1,065 cartons of cigarettes and a laptop were found unattended on a luggage belt in the arrival hall, taking the total seizure to 1,345 cartons.

The passenger was identified as Md Shamsuddin, a resident of Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar.

Officials said the seized cigarettes carry an estimated revenue value of around Tk27.3 lakh, based on applicable duties.

The recovered goods have been confiscated under departmental procedures and placed in the custody of customs authorities.

The passenger was released after being issued a warning by customs intelligence officials.

Authorities said surveillance at the airport will remain tightened to prevent the entry of prohibited goods and curb revenue evasion through coordinated monitoring by relevant agencies.