The Customs officials raided the 'Bandhan Express' train coming from India to Khulna and seized a large quantity of foreign cigarettes, alcohol, Sarees, three pieces, and cosmetics. RAB, BGB and policemen assisted custom officials during the operation.
Goods worth Tk 71 lakh were seized at Benapole railway station in the afternoon on Thursday (February 2).
The Bandhan Maitri Express train has been used by smugglers as a safe route since its introduction in 2017 on the Khulna-Kolkata route.
Passport passengers are not interested to use the Bandan Express train due to smugglers.
The train goes from Khulna to Kolkata every Sunday, from Kolkata to Khulna every Thursday. Customs, BGB, RAB and policemen are unable to stop the activities of the smugglers even though they have conducted multiple operations.
Benapole Custom House Joint Commissioner Abdur Rashid Mia said, A huge amount of contraband is being smuggled into Bangladesh by Badhan Express train from India
A team of customs officials raided after receiving such secret informationVarious goods including Benson & Hedges brand cigarettes, foreign liquor, saree-three pieces, cosmetics, food items of different brands were seized. He said that the value of seized goods is Tk 71 lakh.
BGB, RAB and policemen assisted the customs during the operation.Consignments of goods have been seized and deposited in customs warehouses. A departmental case has been filed in this regard.
M Najiur Rahman, the captain of Jashore RAB-6 said, Our campaign to prevent smuggling and improve the quality of passenger services will continue to keep the reputation of the country intact.
