Chattogram Customs authorities seized 22 lakh 19 thousand illegal cigarettes after Marhaba Fresh Fruits, an importer of fruits from Kotwali area in Chattogram imported cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates with the announcement of Apple. The value of this cigarettes is more than Tk 1 crore 37 lakh.
Sharfuddin Mia, deputy commissioner of AIR branch of Chittagong Custom House, confirmed the information on Thursday.
According to the AIR branch of Chattogram Customs, the AIR branch of Chattogram Customs House stopped the unloading of the consignment after learning about the import of goods under false declaration. Subsequently, as per the rules, 11020 cartons of fresh apples were thoroughly examined. At that time 22 lakh 19 thousand sticks of different brands of cigarettes were found hidden under apples in 754 cartons. Of these, 6 lakh 91 thousand 480 sticks of Mond, 14 lakh 8 thousand 720 sticks of Easy and 1 lakh 18 thousand 800 sticks of Oris brand cigarettes are available.
Deputy Commissioner Sharfuddin Mia said, "The importer of the seized consignment tried to evade the duty of Tk 53 million." Strict and exemplary punishment will be taken in accordance with the Customs Act, 1969 and customary law and other rules by quickly identifying those involved in the incident.
