Dhaka:Customs intelligence officials have seized 733 grams of gold and an iPhone during separate operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram on October 12.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the total estimated value of the seized items, including applicable customs duties and taxes, is approximately Tk 1,39,41,167. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) carried out these operations based on confidential information, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities.
At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, officials acting on a tip-off intercepted Fatema Tuz Zohra, who had arrived from Kuala Lumpur on a US-Bangla Airlines flight. Upon searching her baggage at the green channel, they found 299 grams of gold ornaments and an iPhone 18 Pro Max, valued at Tk 61,29,167.
Meanwhile, at Shah Amanat International Airport, customs intelligence conducted a special operation following another tip-off. Officials questioned Tanvir Hasan Rifat, who arrived from Dubai and attempted to bypass customs declaration. Despite initially denying possession of gold, a search revealed 100 grams of gold ornaments hidden in his shoes, as well as a 117-gram gold bar on his person. Another passenger, Md Habibur Rahman, was found with a 117-gram gold bar and 100 grams of gold ornaments. The total seizure at Chattogram airport amounted to 434 grams of gold, valued at Tk 78,12,000.
Records in one passenger's passport indicated a history of bringing gold into the country under baggage rules in 2026. The CIID reported that 902 grams of gold had been seized at Shah Amanat International Airport in the past week, including gold bars and ornaments.
The directorate emphasized its commitment to ongoing intelligence surveillance, risk-based passenger screenings, and immediate response operations at international airports to prevent smuggling and protect government revenue.