Photo : Messenger
Smugglers have been exploiting the lax security measures at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), making it a preferred route for trafficking gold and drugs to neighbouring countries.
This sensational issue came to the forefront once again when a record-breaking seizure of 8.3 kilogrammes of cocaine, which is the largest in the country's history, took place on Wednesday.
The Narcotics Control Department, in conjunction with the Airport Armed Police Battalion, successfully intercepted the illicit substance, valued at over one hundred crore taka, during a coordinated search of the luggage belonging to Tawera Soko, a woman hailing from the nation of Malawi in Africa.
The Airport Armed Police Battalion is considering deploying its dog squad round-the-clock at Shahjalal International Airport to combat the activities of smugglers effectively.
However, there's already a dog squad in operation at the domestic terminal due to the escalating cases of Yaba smuggling from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka. Addressing reporters at a press briefing regarding the recent cocaine seizure by the Narcotics Control Directorate, Additional Superintendent of Airport Armed Police Battalion Ziaul Haque Palash emphasised that smugglers employ various tactics to evade detection. While instances of gold and drug seizures in and around the airport are indicative of ongoing security measures, it would be inaccurate to characterise the overall security posture as weak. Palash affirmed that such seizures underscore the effectiveness of the authorities' efforts in combating illicit activities.
He mentioned that the Airport Armed Police Battalion already utilizes a dog squad, which is actively engaged in operations at domestic terminals. However, in response to the increasing incidence of illicit activities around the international terminal, they plan to deploy dog squads there as well.
Highlighting a concerning gap in security infrastructure, he noted the absence of a luggage scanner on the arrival belt. This deficiency becomes particularly problematic during peak periods when multiple flights arrive simultaneously, leading to passenger congestion and the potential for unchecked luggage. To address this vulnerability, they intend to accompany the dog squad to closely monitor passengers, ensuring that smuggled items, including drugs, cannot evade detection and leave the airport premises unchecked.
During a press conference, Director of Operations and Intelligence at the Narcotics Control Directorate, Tanveer Mumtaz, provided further details regarding the recent incident involving the apprehension of the suspect at Shahjalal Airport.
Mumtaz explained that the woman arrived at Shahjalal Airport via Qatar Airways, prompting suspicion at the visa counter upon her arrival. Upon questioning, the individual denied possessing any illegal items. However, suspicions arose regarding the weight distribution of the luggage during scanning, particularly concerning the clothing items.
Upon closer inspection, authorities discovered carefully concealed cocaine within the luggage. As the search progressed, a significant quantity of cocaine was uncovered, leading to the apprehension of the suspect.
Mumtaz emphasised that given the absence of a significant cocaine user demographic in Bangladesh, it is evident that the traffickers intended to utilise the country as a transit point, intending to transport the illicit substance elsewhere.
She further revealed that the suspect claimed to be visiting the country for business in the garment industry, having made a previous trip as well. It appears that her stay involved interactions with individuals, both local and foreign, residing in Bangladesh. Authorities are actively working to identify these individuals and are conducting raids to apprehend them.
Responding to inquiries, Mumtaz acknowledged the ingenuity of international smugglers and acknowledged that Shahjalal Airport is not immune to such illicit activities. Discussions have been initiated at the ministry regarding the installation of scanners on the arrival belt, a measure that would significantly enhance security measures. She reiterated the commitment to preventing Bangladesh from becoming a transit point for smuggled goods, emphasising the escalating efforts undertaken by law enforcement agencies to combat such activities.
Earlier in June 2023, Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation seized one and a half kg of cocaine from an Indian citizen who came to Dhaka from Morocco at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The Narcotics Control Directorate seized over 3.5 kg of cocaine at the airport in 2022.
In 2020, members of Aviation Security seized a cocaine-like drug. The drug was detected during screening of a shipment of garment exports on a dual view scanner at the airport's export cargo village. In 2015, airport customs seized about 1 kg of cocaine. In 2017, Airport Armed Police seized 750 grams of cocaine.
The stakeholders involved in combating drug trafficking emphasise that the value of cocaine far exceeds that of other drugs, making it an attractive commodity for smugglers. Moreover, there have been no reported instances of individuals within Bangladesh consuming cocaine, reinforcing the notion that the country primarily serves as a transit point for the illicit substance.
Smugglers exploit vulnerabilities in airport security to facilitate the transit of cocaine, leveraging routes from countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, various African nations, and even some North American countries. Once in Bangladesh, the contraband is then transported to neighboring countries via land borders.
In addition to drug trafficking, Shahjalal Airport is also targeted by gold smugglers who exploit the lax security measures to transport large quantities of gold into the country for smuggling to neighboring nations.
One proposed solution to combat this smuggling activity is to implement thorough searches of both passengers and their luggage upon arrival from outside the country. By employing current technology, such as advanced scanning equipment, authorities can effectively screen passengers and their belongings without causing undue inconvenience or harassment.
Messenger/Fameema
