In a significant operation, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) seized a consignment of foreign cigarettes worth approximately Taka 65 lakh at Hazrat Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram. The seizure was carried out based on confidential information, leading to the discovery of contraband cigarettes in the baggage of a passenger arriving from Dubai.
Details of the Seizure
According to officials, the contraband items were found in three different pieces of baggage belonging to a passenger named Mohammad Sohel, holder of passport No. EL0147654. Sohel arrived on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-148 from Dubai. During the search, customs officials discovered a total of 235 cartons of foreign cigarettes, including 150 cartons of Mond brand and 85 cartons of Esse Lights brand.
Legal and Financial Implications
The seized cigarettes were allegedly brought into the country without the payment of applicable customs duties and taxes. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) press release stated that the Total Tax Incidence (TTI) on the consignment was calculated at 621.63 percent. The seized items have been handed over to the Chattogram ICD Customs House authorities through a detention memo for further legal proceedings.
Legal action is being taken against the offender under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act. The seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by customs authorities to curb the smuggling of contraband items into the country, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and protecting revenue.
