Dhaka:Customs intelligence officials have confiscated e-cigarettes, cigarettes, banned beauty creams, and gold ornaments valued at approximately Tk 32.02 lakh at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the seizures occurred during separate operations conducted on November 6 and 7 by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID).
On November 6, officials, acting on a tip-off, inspected the baggage of a passenger named Sultana Razia, who had arrived in Dhaka from Kuala Lumpur on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. The search led to the discovery of 90 pieces of e-cigarettes/vapes, 12 kg of banned Gauri cream, and 100 grammes of gold ornaments. Razia's passport indicated a prior entry of 100 grammes of gold ornaments into Bangladesh on August 13, which resulted in the seizure of her latest consignment.
In a separate action on November 7, customs officials seized 166 cartons of cigarettes abandoned near the baggage carousel of a Qatar Airways flight from Qatar. The total estimated market value of the seized items amounts to Tk 32,02,500.
The discovery of e-cigarettes and vapes in passenger luggage has heightened concerns among customs officials regarding new smuggling techniques through international flights. The CIID stated that it will continue its surveillance and anti-smuggling operations at the airport to prevent the illegal entry of banned goods and protect public health, along with safeguarding government revenue.