25 tonnes banned poppy seeds seized

Staff Reporter :

Chattogram Customs has seized 25 tonnes of prohibited poppy seeds hidden inside a consignment declared as bird feed imported from Pakistan.

The total shipment weighed 32 tonnes and arrived in two containers imported by Messrs Adib Trading, a firm based in Korbaniganj, Chattogram.

According to Customs officials, poppy seeds capable of germination are classified as narcotics under the Narcotics Control Act 2018 and listed as prohibited in the Import Policy Order 2021-24. The seized seeds have an estimated market value of around Tk 6.5 crore.

In a press release issued on Thursday (6 November), Chattogram Customs stated that the shipment was declared as 32 tonnes of bird feed in the import documents.

However, physical examination revealed only 7 tonnes of bird feed and 25 tonnes of poppy seeds. To deceive inspectors, sacks of bird feed had been placed near the container doors, concealing the poppy seeds stacked deeper inside.

The two containers arrived at Chattogram Port on 9 October and were later moved to the private depot of Sabir Ahmed Timber Company Limited for clearance.

Acting on intelligence, Customs authorities suspended the release of the shipment and initiated a thorough inspection. The containers were opened on 22 October, and samples were sent to three laboratories, all confirming the presence of poppy seeds.

Deputy Commissioner of Customs, HM Kabir, said that poppy seeds of this kind are treated as Category ‘A’ narcotics under Bangladeshi law, and legal action is being taken accordingly.
He added that the previous consignments imported by the same company would also be investigated.

The declared value of the shipment was Tk 30,02,482, but the actual market value of the seized goods is estimated at Tk 6.5 crore.
Customs authorities confirmed that legal measures are underway against those involved in importing the banned items under the guise of bird feed.