Photo: Collected
The authorities of National Security Intelligence and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate on Thursday arrested a passenger, a salesgirl at gold shop in Dubai, and seized a total of 2.33 kilograms of gold bars at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport.
The arrested was Atia Samia, a resident of Boalia in Rajshahi, was employed as a sales officer at a gold shop in Dubai. She arrived in Chattogram on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight (BG-148) from the United Arab Emirates, landed at 9:15 AM, Md. Billal Hossain, assistant director of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, Chattogram Regional Office, told The Daily Messenger.
"The gold bars, wrapped in plastic tape, were discovered under seat 9J during a search based on a tip-off. The bars, made of 24-carat gold, weighed approximately 2.33 kilograms and had an estimated market value of around Tk 2.6 crore,'he said.
Atia Samia admitted to attending an event in Chattogram, but authorities suspect her involvement in gold smuggling.
"The seized gold will be confiscated in favor of the state, and further legal proceedings, including filing a case at Patenga Police Station, are underway," Md. Billal Hossain informed.
Messenger/Shakhawat/SK/EHM
