Cigarettes worth Tk 6.5cr seized in Ctg

The Chittagong Customs House yesterday seized cigarettes worth Tk 6.5 crore imported under false declaration using a non-existent organisation.

A consignment of 65 lakh cigarette sticks in 650 cartons from Singapore was imported by the name-only Gram Bangla Food Corporation.

The consignment carried by MV Oelstarits set out from Singapore on April 16 and reached the Chittagong Port on April 26.

According to customs sources, the company submitted IGM (Import General Manifest) saying they were importing felt, a foam-like product used to preserve fruits.

For felt tax rate is 58.69 percent, while for cigarette it is 450 percent, officials say.

The shipping agent of the ship was Fastex Maritime and the goods were imported from Singapore's Srivaari International (GS). The LC (letter of credit) for the consignment was opened with the Bank Asia's Motijheel branch in Dhaka.

The importer whose address was given as 24/A, Noabali Tower, Purana Paltan, Dhaka was found fake as customs officials went there on inspection.

Acting on a tip-off, the customs officials performed a physical examination and found cigarettes in the consignment.

On Saturday, in presence of all authorities concerned at NCT Yard of the port, the customs officials unlocked the containers and found the cigarettes inside.

AKM Nuruzzaman, commissioner of Chittagong Customs House, said after primary detection they visited the address given on papers.

He said they would take legal action against the banks, shipping agents and related agencies in connection with the consignment. A letter has already been issued to the banks and shipping agents seeking their explanation.

According to rules, if the cigarettes' quality is found to be perfect, the consignment will be sold to Bangladesh Tourism Corporation. Otherwise, it will be destroyed.