Customs authorities seized 315 cartons of cigarettes from passenger luggage at Shah Amanat International Airport (Chattogram airport), with revenue value assessed at approximately Tk 6 lakh 30 thousand.

Joint operation conducted by airport NSI team, Customs Intelligence and Customs branch on Thursday night recovered contraband from Rakibul Islam, a passenger from Raninagar upazila in Naogaon district.

Air Arabia flight G-9520 from Sharjah landed at 9:45pm. Authorities conducted luggage search and discovered cigarettes during routine inspection. Rakibul Islam was travelling from United Arab Emirates when seized items were found.

Customs sources confirmed confiscated cigarette consignment has been kept in custody at Chittagong Customs House under Departmental Memorandum value. However, passenger was released after receiving verbal warning from authorities.

Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, public relations officer at Chattogram airport authority, said that surveillance has been strengthened to prevent entry of import-prohibited goods and stop revenue evasion.

Airport authorities have intensified monitoring following recent incidents of smuggling attempts. Customs department regularly conducts joint operations with intelligence agencies to curb illegal imports through air routes.

Sharjah route remains under close scrutiny due to frequent smuggling attempts. Officials indicated that passenger-carried cigarettes avoid proper customs duty payment, causing significant revenue losses to government.

Authorities continue monitoring international flights for prohibited items and undeclared goods. Enhanced screening procedures have been implemented at Chattogram airport to detect smuggling operations.