Chattogram: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle approximately 1.5 kg of gold through Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, securing a consignment valued at an estimated Tk 3 crore, officials reported on Monday.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the CIID regional office in Chattogram acted on intelligence inputs and monitored a Bangladeshi passenger, Mohammad Tusar, 33, who arrived from Dubai on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight (BG148). Upon his arrival, a joint surveillance operation was conducted by officials from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), Customs House, and CIID.

During a thorough body search at the customs hall, officials discovered around 1,400 grams of 24-carat gold paste, concealed inside the passenger’s underwear using a specially designed method, including packing materials. Additionally, five gold bangles weighing about 100 grams were seized. In total, approximately 1,500 grams of gold were recovered, with an estimated market value of around Tk 3 crore.

According to CIID, the preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect attempted to bypass airport security and customs checks by converting the gold into paste form and hiding it within his underwear. However, the attempt was foiled through intelligence-based surveillance and coordinated efforts by law enforcement and customs agencies.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against the passenger under several regulations, including the Customs Act, 2023, the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947, the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, the Import Policy Order 2021-2024, Bangladesh Bank’s FE Circular No. 06, and the Special Powers Act, 1974.

The CIID emphasized that intelligence surveillance at international airports has been intensified to prevent the smuggling of gold and other contraband, and such operations will persist.