DHAKA, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS) - The Customs House, Chattogram has seized a large consignment of import-prohibited Poppy Seed worth approximately Taka 6.50 crore. 

Acting on a tip-off, the Audit, Investigation and Research (AIR) Wing of the Customs House, Chattogram, carried out the operation and confiscated a total of 24,960 kilograms of Poppy Seed imported through the Chattogram Port in two containers.

The consignment was imported by M/S Adib Trading, located at 7 No. Korbaniganj, Kotwali, Chattogram-4000, and was declared as 32,010 kilograms of bird food under Bill of Entry No. 1869141 dated October 14, 2025. 

The shipment arrived on October 9, 2025, and was taken to Saber Ahmed Timber Company Ltd. Off-Dock, Chattogram for release, handled by the C&F agent M.H. Trading Customs C&F Agent Ltd., Shantibag, Halishahar, Chattogram.

Based on intelligence information, the AIR Wing suspended the release of the containers and conducted a physical examination on October 22, 2025, in the presence of depot officials and the C&F agent. The examination revealed 7,200 kilograms of bird food and 24,960 kilograms of Poppy Seed concealed underneath, said a press release of the Customs House under the NBR. 

Samples were collected and sent for physical and chemical testing to the Plant Quarantine Office, Chattogram Seaport, Nanotechnology Centre of the University of Dhaka, and lab of the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET).

Test results from the Plant Quarantine Office and KUET confirmed that one of the items was indeed Poppy Seed. It was found that the importer had concealed the prohibited Poppy Seed under bird food at the front of the container in an attempt to smuggle them into the country.

Under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, Poppy Seed capable of germination is categorized as a Class A narcotic substance. According to the Import Policy Order 2021-2024, import of Poppy Seed is strictly prohibited. 

As per the provisions of the Customs Act, 2023, the consignment has been seized due to false declaration and violation of import restrictions, and further legal actions are underway. 

The declared value of the goods was Taka 30,02,482, but the market value of the seized items is estimated at Taka 6.50 crore. The seizure reflects the firm commitment of Bangladesh Customs to protecting public interest and preventing the illegal importation of prohibited goods.