Customs Seize Cigarettes Worth Over Tk 3 Million from Four Passengers at Airport

Chittagong’s Shah Amanat International Airport witnessed a significant seizure on Monday evening, as customs authorities intercepted a large quantity of cigarettes and prohibited skin-lightening creams from the baggage of four passengers arriving from Dubai. The total estimated market value of the confiscated goods exceeds 30.24 lakh Bangladeshi Taka. The operation took place around 9:30 pm on 22 December.

A press release issued by the airport authorities on Tuesday (23 December) confirmed the incident.

According to airport sources, a thorough inspection revealed a total of 867 cartons of cigarettes among the four passengers’ luggage. In addition, authorities discovered 50 pieces of “Gauri” brand skin-lightening cream, which is on the prohibited import list in Bangladesh.

The Gauri cream, manufactured in Pakistan and imported via Dubai, was banned following a 2020 investigation by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). The study examined eight different skin-lightening creams and found dangerously high levels of mercury and hydroquinone, substances linked to various skin disorders and other health risks. While the import of such creams has been officially prohibited, reports suggest that smuggling through passengers has increased in recent years. Notably, similar seizures have been reported multiple times this year at both Dhaka and Chittagong airports.

Customs officials clarified that, under current regulations, each passenger may carry up to one carton of cigarettes duty-free. Any quantity above this limit is strictly prohibited, and all cigarettes must bear the mandatory warning in Bangla: “Smoking is hazardous to health”.

The passengers involved, arriving on a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Dubai, have been identified as Rezaul Karim, Mizanur Rahman, Ridwanul Haque, and Md. Salauddin.

Shah Amanat International Airport’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, stated that the seized items have been secured at the Chittagong Customs House, and the four individuals were issued verbal warnings. Authorities emphasised that further legal actions could follow depending on subsequent investigations.

Summary of Seized Items:

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in controlling illegal imports of cigarettes and hazardous cosmetics, and underscores the vigilance of airport customs officials in ensuring compliance with national regulations.