Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have detained a passenger and recovered nearly half a kilogram of gold ornaments along with a substantial amount of foreign currency during a targeted anti-smuggling operation conducted by the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn).
The incident took place on Thursday at approximately 12:50 pm at the Arrival Canopy-2 open car park area of the airport. The detained individual has been identified as 43-year-old Mofidul Islam, a resident of Labanchora in Khulna district. He had recently returned from Saudi Arabia after completing Umrah.
According to APBn officials, Mofidul Islam arrived in Dhaka aboard Saudi Arabian Airlines flight SV808. Upon landing, his suspicious movements reportedly drew the attention of law enforcement personnel. When he attempted to leave the airport premises hastily after noticing police presence, officers intervened and apprehended him on the spot.
He was subsequently taken to the APBn office, where a thorough search of his body and luggage led to the recovery of 499.1 grams of gold ornaments, reportedly of 21-carat purity. Authorities have estimated the market value of the seized gold at approximately BDT 8,384,880.
In addition to the gold, officials also confiscated a significant amount of foreign currency in multiple denominations. A total of USD 9,000, SAR 8,501, EGP 1,800, RON 150, along with BDT 80,117 in cash were recovered from his possession.
Preliminary interrogation suggests that Mofidul Islam had been operating as a “receiver” within an organised smuggling network for an extended period. Investigators believe that the seized gold items were brought into the country through various unidentified passengers, deliberately bypassing customs declarations and duties. The accused reportedly admitted his involvement in facilitating the collection and distribution of smuggled gold.
A case has been filed against him at Airport Police Station under Section 25B(1)(B) of the Special Powers Act of 1974, which deals with offences related to smuggling and illegal possession of contraband goods.
Seized Items Summary
| Category | Details | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Gold ornaments | 499.1 grams (21-carat) | BDT 8,384,880 |
| US Dollars | 9,000 USD | — |
| Saudi Riyals | 8,501 SAR | — |
| Egyptian Pounds | 1,800 EGP | — |
| Romanian Leu | 150 RON | — |
| Bangladeshi Taka | 80,117 BDT | — |
Airport Armed Police Battalion Superintendent of Police Mohammad Rezaul Kabir stated that the airport remains under constant surveillance to curb smuggling activities. He emphasised that monitoring and enforcement measures have been further intensified and such operations will continue in order to prevent illicit trafficking and maintain airport security.
Authorities have indicated that further investigations are underway to identify other members of the smuggling network and trace the broader supply chain involved in the illegal importation of gold and foreign currency.