1,802 Cartons of Foreign Cigarettes and 13 iPhones Seized from Dubai Returnees in Chattogram

A large quantity of foreign cigarettes and mobile phones was seized during a search operation by the National Security Intelligence (NSI) at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram on Monday.

A total of 1,802 cartons of foreign cigarettes and 13 iPhones were recovered from three passengers and from abandoned luggage following the operation.

The search was conducted after Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-148 arrived in Chattogram from Dubai at around 9:14am on Monday (August 17).

According to airport sources, cigarettes and mobile phones were found in the possession of passengers Moinul Abedin, Abdul Mannan and Nurul Alam Riyad. Some of the items were also found abandoned at the airport.

The seized cigarettes included Platinum, Mond and Easy Light brands. The total estimated market value of the seized goods is approximately Tk 5.104 million (Tk 51.04 lakh).

Why the Goods Were Seized

Airport sources said the foreign cigarettes were detained because their import is prohibited or restricted. The iPhones were also detained because they exceeded the applicable passenger baggage allowance.

The goods were formally detained under Detention Memos (DMs).

Following the seizure, all recovered items were handed over to the airport customs authorities for further legal action.

Authorities said intelligence monitoring and search operations at Shah Amanat International Airport will continue as part of efforts to prevent the unauthorized entry of restricted and undeclared goods.