Bangladesh Customs seized 12 kg of 24‑carat gold paste, valued at roughly Tk24 crore, from two passengers arriving from Dubai at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday.
The gold paste was hidden in the passengers’ jeans and underwear, identified as Chen Liyun and Mo Xiaoyu, after customs officers conducted searches at baggage carousel‑2.
Customs’ preventive team had launched surveillance at multiple points in the airport after receiving a tip‑off that gold might be smuggled on Emirates flight EK586 from Dubai.
The two travelers were intercepted after completing immigration formalities, and officers discovered the soft, yellow‑coloured paste stitched into the fabric of their clothing.
Officials estimated the market value of the wet gold paste at Tk24 crore, underscoring the financial impact of such smuggling attempts on the national economy.
A spokesperson for Dhaka Customs House said the operation demonstrates the agency’s vigilance and its commitment to preventing illicit gold imports that could undermine monetary stability.
Bangladesh has recently stepped up customs inspections at major entry points, aiming to curb smuggling of high‑value commodities and protect revenue streams.
Why it matters
The seizure highlights Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect its economy from illicit gold imports.