1,698 cartons of foreign cigarettes seized at Chattogram airport

Authorities have seized 1,698 cartons of foreign cigarettes in a joint operation at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.

The seizure was made on Sunday night (May 31) during a coordinated drive by the NSI, DGFI, Customs Intelligence, Aviation Security and airport customs officials at the international arrival area.

According to airport sources, the operation was conducted around 8:15pm at Gate No. 3, where three passengers arriving on Air Arabia flight G9-520 from Sharjah were searched along with luggage on the conveyor belt.

Officials recovered 1,002 cartons of cigarettes from the passengers’ baggage and an additional 696 cartons found unclaimed on the luggage belt. The seized consignments included brands Mond and Manchester, bringing the total recovery to 1,698 cartons.

The passengers under scrutiny were identified as Md Mostafa Kamal Sumon from Ramganj in Lakshmipur, Mohammad Abdullah Talukder from Hathazari in Chattogram, and Mohammad Nasir Uddin Talukder from Rangunia.

Airport authorities estimated the potential evaded government revenue at Tk 3.39 million. The seized goods were documented at assessed value and handed over to the Chattogram Customs House for safekeeping.

Airport Public Relations Officer Engineer Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil said the three passengers were verbally warned and released after initial questioning by customs intelligence and airport customs officials.

He added that surveillance and enforcement efforts will continue to prevent smuggling and protect government revenue.