Customs authorities in Chattogram have seized nearly 25 tons (24,960 kg) of prohibited poppy seeds that were illegally imported under the declaration of bird feed. The massive consignment was intercepted by the Audit, Investigation and Research (AIR) Wing of the Customs House based on confidential intelligence. The estimated market value of the seized goods exceeds Tk 6.5 crore.
According to customs sources, a company named M/S Adib Trading declared the import of 32,010 kg of bird feed from Pakistan. The shipment arrived at Chattogram Port on 9 October and was later moved to the off-dock facility of Saber Ahmed Timber Company Ltd. To clear the consignment, C&F agent MH Trading Customs C&F Agent Ltd submitted the bill of entry on 14 October.
Acting on secret intelligence, customs officials suspended the release process on 22 October. A physical inspection of the two containers revealed that while the front row contained 7,200 kg of bird feed, a staggering 24,960 kg of poppy seeds had been cleverly concealed behind it.
To confirm the nature of the goods, samples were sent to the Plant Quarantine Authority, Dhaka University’s Nanotechnology Center, and Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). Laboratory tests verified that the hidden substance was indeed prohibited poppy seed.
HM Kabir, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Customs, told the media, “This major seizure reflects Bangladesh Customs’ strong commitment to protecting public interest. Legal action against the importer is currently underway.”
