Customs officials in Chattogram have seized 25 tons of banned poppy seeds (poppy kernels) that were being imported from Pakistan under the false declaration of bird feed. The seizure was confirmed through an official statement issued by Chattogram Customs on Thursday (November 6).
The shipment was imported by Messrs Adib Trading, a company based in Korbaniganj, Chattogram, which declared a total of 32 tons of bird feed. The consignment arrived at Chattogram Port on October 9 and was later moved to a private container depot for release. However, customs authorities suspended the release after receiving secret intelligence and proceeded to examine the containers.
On October 22, upon opening the containers, customs officials found that only a small amount of bird feed had been placed at the front, while 25 tons of germinable poppy seeds were hidden behind. Laboratory tests confirmed the findings. Under the Narcotics Control Act, poppy seeds capable of sprouting are classified as a Category ‘A’ narcotic, and importation is strictly prohibited.
While the declared value of the goods was just over Tk 30 lakh, the actual market value of the seized poppy seeds is estimated to be around Tk 6.5 crore.
Customs officials stated that legal action is being taken against the individuals and company involved in the importation.