Illegal foreign cigarettes worth Tk 35 lakh seized in Mohammadpur

The two warehouses remained locked during the day. No one could tell what was inside. But as night fell, illegal consignments of foreign cigarettes would leave the premises, reaching different parts of the country through courier services.

The VAT Intelligence and Investigation Directorate has uncovered two such secret warehouses set up in two residential buildings in the capital's Mohammadpur. A total of 316,400 sticks of illegal foreign cigarettes, with an estimated market value of around Tk 35 lakh, were seized from there.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Public Relations Officer Md Al Amin Sheikh confirmed the matter to the media on Thursday, September 17.

According to NBR sources, in order to prevent the illegal marketing of tobacco products and protect government revenue, two preventive teams of the VAT Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, Dhaka, conducted simultaneous raids on Wednesday, September 16, at House No. 140 of PC Culture Housing in Shyamoli and House No. 37/8 of Jahuri Mahalla. Upon reaching the buildings, the intelligence team found the two warehouses locked. Later, the intelligence officers broke the locks and entered with the building's guard and landlord present.

During the search, a large quantity of foreign cigarettes packed in sacks was seized. From one warehouse, 202,200 sticks of Patron Nano, 10,000 sticks of Mond Strawberry, 16,600 sticks of Mond Silver and 26,400 sticks of Oris Nano were recovered. From the other warehouse, another 61,200 sticks of Orbit, Mond, Patron and Oris brand cigarettes were seized.

Citing locals and the building's guard, the intelligence team said that although located in different areas, both warehouses belonged to the same person. He had rented the two rooms claiming to run a dealership business. The landlord and neighbours were unaware of the activity, as the rooms remained locked throughout the day and goods were brought in and taken out under cover of darkness.

The NBR said preliminary investigations have revealed information about the supply of counterfeit and illegal foreign cigarettes in Dhaka and various districts. The seized cigarettes have been deposited in a customs warehouse and will later be destroyed in accordance with the rules. Legal proceedings, including filing a case, are underway against those involved.