Published : 14 Sep 2026, 06:18 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:50 AM
Customs intelligence officials have seized 223 cartons of foreign cigarettes, 44 vapes and 144 mobile phone displays from passengers arriving on international flights at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
The seized goods are estimated to be worth Tk 1.75 million, according to a statement issued by the National Board of Revenue on Monday.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate said it stepped up surveillance of passengers arriving on international flights after receiving a tip-off on Sept 13.
Later that day, officials searched the baggage of Abdul Karim, who arrived from Dubai on Emirates flight EK584.
His baggage was searched after officials found his movements suspicious as he passed through the green channel, resulting in the seizure of 223 cartons of foreign cigarettes.
Officials also searched the baggage of Shipon, who arrived from Malaysia on AirAsia flight AK71, and seized 44 vapes.
Meanwhile, two passengers arriving from Guangzhou on US-Bangla Airlines flight BS326 were found carrying mobile phone displays.
Officials seized 98 displays from KM Tofayel Ahmed and another 46 from Shamima Akter, bringing the total number of displays recovered from the two passengers to 144.
The cigarettes, vapes and mobile phone displays were seized from passengers arriving on three international flights from Dubai, Malaysia and Guangzhou. The goods are estimated to be worth Tk 1.75 million in total.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate said it was taking the transportation of such goods on international routes seriously.
The agency said it would also investigate whether an organised group was behind the incidents, whether the passengers were being used as carriers and who else might be involved in the operation.
