The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has recovered gold worth nearly Tk 3.73 crore from an abandoned car in the roundabout area outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
The driver, identified as Md Shamim Mia, fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle during the operation.
Acting on a tip-off, customs intelligence officials stopped the suspected car for a search in the airport’s outer roundabout area. Sensing the situation, Shamim fled, leaving the car behind.
Later, with assistance from officials of other intelligence agencies, officers from the CIID’s Air Freight Circle searched the vehicle and recovered 14 gold bars and 12 gold pieces.
The gold weighed 1,812 grams, or around 155.35 bhori, and was confirmed to be 24-carat after testing at Dhaka Customs House. Its estimated market value is Tk 3,72,72,892.
A further search of the vehicle also uncovered three mobile phones, Tk 1,07,585 in cash, a used laptop, eight debit and credit cards, two driving licences and a national identity card, among other items.
The CIID completed an inventory of the recovered gold and other items at the Customs Hall.
Customs intelligence officials said they are investigating who else may be involved, as well as the source of the gold and its intended destination.
Legal proceedings to file a case with Airport Police Station against those involved are underway, they added.
