Tk 1.3b cocaine seized at Dhaka Airport, foreign national held

Customs officials at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have arrested a foreign national after seizing over 8.6 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of Tk 1.3 billion.

The suspect, identified as Karen Petula Stuffle, a citizen of Guyana, was detained in the early hours of Tuesday after arriving in Dhaka on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha.

According to a statement from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID), officers acted on a tip-off and intercepted the passenger at the airport’s green channel, which is designated for travelers with no items to declare.

Upon inspection of her luggage, officials discovered three plastic jars containing 22 foil-wrapped, egg-shaped packets filled with the illicit substance. Subsequent tests conducted by the Department of Narcotics Control confirmed the presence of cocaine.

Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings are underway, and a case will be filed under relevant criminal and customs laws.the two trade giants.