Foreign currency worth Tk2.44 crore seized at Ctg airport
The accused is a frequent traveler to the Middle East and is suspected of being involved in smuggling
Saudi Riyals and UAE Dirhams seized at Shah Amanat International Airport on 19 September 2024. Photo: TBS
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Saudi Riyals and UAE Dirhams seized at Shah Amanat International Airport on 19 September 2024. Photo: TBS
In a joint operation, the National Security Intelligence Agency (NSI) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) recovered Saudi Riyals and UAE Dirhams worth Tk2.44 crore at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.
The foreign currencies were found in possession of Md Zakir Hossain, a passenger en route to Dubai this morning (19 September).
Hossain, a resident of Ramganj village in Lakshmipur district, is a frequent traveler to the Middle East and is suspected of being involved in smuggling, according to the NSI.
Md Zakir Hossain, accused of smuggling foreign currency worth Tk2.44 crore. Photo: Collected
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Md Zakir Hossain, accused of smuggling foreign currency worth Tk2.44 crore. Photo: Collected
A senior NSI officer stationed at the Chattogram airport told TBS that, 770,000 Saudi Riyals and 46,000 UAE Dirhams were seized from Zakir Hossain, equivalent to approximately $2,05,714. The total value of the foreign currency in Bangladeshi Taka is estimated at Tk2,44,80,000.
The NSI revealed that the passenger arrived at Chattogram Airport at 7:30am from Dhaka Airport on US Bangla Airlines’ international flight BS-343 (Dhaka-Chattogram-Dubai). Acting on a tip-off, NSI officials boarded the aircraft and apprehended him along with the foreign currency.
The passenger will be handed over to Patenga Model police station, and a case will be filed under the Money Laundering Act by customs detectives.
