Photo: Collected
The authorities of National Security Intelligence and Customs on Tuesday detained a passenger who was bound for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates at Shah Amanat International Airport with foreign currencies equivalent to BDT 5,058,930 (approximately $42,158). The currencies included Saudi Riyals, Omani Rials, and UAE Dirhams.
The detained passenger was identified as Sakib Newaz from Lohagara upazila in Chattogram, bearing the passport no. A14750190, was scheduled to travel to Dubai on flight BG-147 of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, according to airport sources.
The foreign currencies were hidden inside vegetable cartons in the passenger's baggage in an attempt to smuggle them out of the country, officials said.
The NSI and the Customs team jointly conducted the drive at the International Departure Gate 7 of the terminal building, following a tip-off and with the assistance of Civil Aviation authorities at 7:15 PM on Tuesday, said an official at the airport.
During the drive, officials discovered 140,000 Saudi Riyals worth at BDT 4,578,000, 575 Omani Rials worth at BDT 178,250, and 9,200 UAE Dirhams worth at BDT 302,680. The total amount is equivalent to BDT 5,058,930 or USD 42,158. The recovered foreign currencies have been handed over to airport customs, the official informed.
The passenger frequently travels to the Middle East. He was attempting to smuggle an amount exceeding the government-permitted foreign currency limit of USD 7,000, according to concerned offcials.
Following the recommendation from NSI, Customs authorities were in the process of filing a criminal case against the passenger, said sources.
Messenger/SK/EHM
