The members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB 7) and Chittagong Customs House officials in a joint drive have seized a container of import-banned cigarette worth TK4.70 crore from Chittagong Port Jetty which was imported over false declaration.
The container containing 47 lakh pieces of Benson & Hedges brand cigarette was seized at the Gate No 4 of Chittagong Port Jetty at around 2:30pm on Thursday, said RAB 7 Chief Commanding Officer (CCO) Lieutenant Commander Mifta Uddin Ahmed.
Lt Col Mifta told the Dhaka Tribune that acting on tip-off from Dubai, RAB 7 informed the Chittagong Customs’ officials and identified the containers which contains 47,00,000 pieces of cigarette”.
Mifta said one readymade garment factory FRC Knit Composite Limited in Gazipur imported the container declaring cotton yarn while local C&F agent Saki Shipping Line was assigned for clearing the container from the port.
“The 20-feet long container, SBU 2029601922G1, was boarded on Ho Chi Minh Ship from Jebel Ali Port of Dubai and landed in Chittagong Port on February 10 through Malaysia Port Klang”, added RAB 7 CCO Mifta.
Chittagong Customs Commissioner Hossain Ahmed said on information from RAB 7 customs official identified the container and held its physical examination and seized the consignment of the huge illegal items.
Commissioner Hossain Ahmed said a probe committee will be formed to identify the smuggling kingpin.
Lt Col Mifta said RAB 7 detained four persons of Saki Shipping Line to grill while the RAB interrogated the official of FRC Knit Composite Ltd in this connection.