Gold, phones seized

Customs officials have seized gold bars, 35 smartphones and other goods worth Tk 1.12 crore in three separate operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The seizures have raised concerns about a growing trend of smuggling gold and smartphones in small quantities by hiding them in passengers’ baggage.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) is keeping a close watch on such activities and has stepped up intelligence work and raids to prevent smuggling and the loss of government revenue.

On 12 November 2026, the CIID’s A-shift team carried out three separate operations at the airport. They seized 471 grams of gold bars, 35 smartphones and other goods worth a total of Tk 1,12,76,834.