DHAKA, Mar 29 (V7N) – In a major anti-smuggling operation, security forces at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport recovered 153 gold bars weighing approximately 18 kilograms from a Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft on Saturday night. The seized gold, found hidden within a cargo compartment toilet, has an estimated market value of Taka 380 million (Tk 38 crore).

The Operation: Flight BG-348

The recovery was the result of a coordinated effort between Aviation Security (AVSEC) and national intelligence agencies.

  • The Target: Biman flight BG-348, arriving from Dubai, landed at the airport around 9:00 pm on Saturday, March 28.

  • Surveillance: Based on precise intelligence, authorities had kept the aircraft under constant surveillance even before it touched down.

  • The Discovery: Following a meticulous search of the cargo hold, officials opened a maintenance panel inside a toilet. They discovered the 153 gold bars—each weighing 116 grams—cleverly wrapped in white cloth and concealed behind the paneling.

Market Context and Legal Action

The total weight of the haul was recorded as 17.784 kg. At current market rates in Bangladesh, where 22-carat gold is trading at approximately Tk 237,012 per bhori, the haul represents a significant blow to regional smuggling syndicates.

  • Custody: The recovered gold has been officially handed over to the Airport Customs authorities for processing.

  • Investigation: No arrests were made immediately at the scene. However, an investigation has been launched by the Airport Police Station to identify the "receivers" and any airline or airport staff who may have facilitated the concealment.

Surge in Airport Vigilance

This seizure follows a string of recent enforcement successes at Shahjalal International:

  • March 27: Customs recovered 8.1 kg of abandoned gold from a flight arriving from Doha.

  • March 28 (Morning): Two individuals were detained with 1.5 kg of gold near the airport canopy while attempting to flee in a private car.

Airport authorities reiterated today that surveillance remains at an all-time high to protect the national economy from illicit trafficking.

END/SMA/AJ