CIID detains Indian passenger over suspected gold smuggling at Shah Amanat Airport

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) officials have detained an Indian passenger at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport after recovering capsule-like objects containing gold.

Acting on a tip-off, a team from the CIID regional office in Chattogram intercepted the passenger after he crossed the green channel at the airport on Saturday morning.

The passenger, identified as Thamim Ansari, arrived from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on Air Arabia flight G9-526, which landed at 6:58 am.

During a body search, officials recovered capsule-shaped packets containing gold concealed inside his underwear.

Authorities said the exact quantity and purity of the gold are being determined with the assistance of a certified goldsmith after removing the packing materials.

The recovered gold is estimated to be worth around Taka 1 crore, officials said.

CIID said legal action is being taken against the passenger under the Customs Act, while steps are also underway to file a criminal case in connection with the smuggling attempt.

The agency said it would continue intelligence surveillance and enforcement drives to prevent the smuggling of gold and other contraband through the country’s international airports.