Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, May 3, 2026 (BSS) - Authorities have seized 1,345 cartons of cigarettes worth Tk 27 lakh in a drive at Shah Amanat International Airport involving intelligence and customs agencies.

According to a press release issued by the airport's Public Relations Manager Ibrahim Khalil, the operation was carried out around 11:00pm under the leadership of National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), with support from airport customs and customs intelligence units.

The team recovered 1,065 cartons of cigarettes and a laptop from baggage belt number 1 in the international arrival hall without any claimant.

Besides, 280 cartons of cigarettes were found in the baggage of a passenger arriving on Salam Air flight OV-493 from Muscat.

The passenger, Md Shamsuddin from Chakaria upazila of Cox's Bazar, was identified in this connection. The seized goods were handed over to the Chattogram Customs House.

He was released after being given a verbal warning by Customs Intelligence and Customs officials.

Authorities said surveillance by NSI, DGFI, Customs and other agencies has been strengthened at the airport to prevent smuggling of prohibited items and revenue evasion.