Narayanganj:The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has sealed a warehouse in Narayanganj after discovering approximately 81.6 tonnes of chemicals, including Sodium Hydrosulfite, without proper documentation proving their legal origin and stock.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the seizure has sparked concerns regarding the potential misuse of bonded warehouse facilities and significant customs duty and tax evasion. Acting on intelligence reports suggesting that chemicals imported duty-free under bond facilities were being sold illegally on the open market, a CIID team raided a location in Tanbazar, Narayanganj, on Sunday.
During the operation, CIID officials found the chemicals and other raw materials stored at M R Traders' warehouse. The company was unable to provide any documentation supporting the legal purchase, import, or storage of these chemicals. Consequently, the authorities sealed the warehouse along with the stock.
In a separate operation, CIID officials visited Sim Fabrics Ltd to investigate allegations regarding the disappearance of chemicals imported under bond facilities. The company had imported 45 tonnes of Sodium Hydrosulfite from India duty-free, but failed to account for the chemicals during inspection.
Investigators are probing whether these chemicals were diverted to the open market instead of being used in manufacturing, as required under the bonded warehouse facility. CIID is also examining any possible connections between the missing chemicals at Sim Fabrics Ltd and the stock found at M R Traders.
The ongoing investigation aims to determine the actual source of the seized chemicals, details of their import and purchase, and any misuse of bond facilities. The CIID has stated that intelligence surveillance and enforcement operations will continue to prevent the illegal marketing of duty-free raw materials and revenue evasion.