DHAKA: Customs officials have seized 1,980 drones worth nearly Tk 1 crore at the Customs House ICD in Kamalapur after the consignment was imported under a declaration of rechargeable remote-controlled (RRC) toys.The seized drones weigh a total of 658 kilograms. Customs officials said the products were not properly declared in the import documents, prompting them to detain the consignment for further investigation.
According to officials at the Customs House ICD, Kamalapur, the consignment was intercepted on September 29 following a tip-off received by the customs authorities. Acting on the information, officials placed the consignment under surveillance and subsequently conducted a physical inspection.
The consignment was imported in the name of Mim Collection, a business based in Chawkbazar, Dhaka. According to the bill of entry (B/E) No. 12367, dated September 27, the shipment was declared as containing various types of toys.
However, during a physical examination, customs officials discovered 1,980 drones that had not been mentioned in the import declaration.
Customs officials said the discrepancy between the declared goods and the actual contents of the consignment is being investigated. The authorities will examine the actual value, specifications and flight range of the seized drones, along with the relevant import permits and other supporting documents.
The customs authorities also said that the applicable duties, taxes and penalties associated with the consignment would be recovered in accordance with the law. Officials are also examining whether the import of the drones violated any restrictions or requirements for necessary approvals.
If any irregularities are established, legal action will be taken against those responsible under the Customs Act, 2023, and relevant rules and regulations, officials said.
Kazi Muhammad Ziauddin, Commissioner of Customs House ICD, Dhaka, said the customs authority has adopted a strict stance against activities that violate import policies and result in revenue evasion, in line with directives from the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
He said the customs authorities are conducting regular inspections and monitoring of imported consignments to ensure that the goods declared in import documents match the actual contents and to protect government revenue.
Customs officials said the seized drones will undergo further examination to determine their flight range, technical specifications and compliance with applicable regulations. The relevant documents will also be scrutinised before a final decision is taken regarding the consignment.
The authorities are also investigating whether any laws or regulations were violated during the import process.
The seizure is part of the Customs House ICD's ongoing efforts to prevent the import of undeclared goods and curb revenue evasion. Customs officials said legal action would be taken against anyone found attempting to bring goods into the country in violation of import policies and customs laws.