Two containers declared as bird feed have been found to contain banned poppy seeds at Chattogram Port. The consignment, imported from Pakistan by a firm named Adib Trading, was seized by the Chattogram Custom House following a tip-off.
A total of 24,960 kilograms of poppy seeds were seized from the consignment, which arrived at the port on 9 October.
The containers were later shifted to the off-dock facility of Haji Saber Ahmed Timber Co Ltd, according to a press release issued on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner HM Kabir, spokesperson of the Chattogram Custom House, said the importers had declared the goods’ value at Tk 30.02 lakh. However, the market value of the seized poppy seeds is estimated at Tk 6.5 crore.
The Audit, Investigation and Research (AIR) unit of Customs intercepted the consignment in the name of Messrs Adib Trading of Korbaniganj, Chattogram, based on intelligence information.
As per the Narcotics Control Act 2018, poppy seeds capable of germination are classified as a Class ‘A’ narcotic. Article 3(1)(b) of the Import Policy Order 2021-24 lists poppy seeds at serial number 15 as a prohibited item.
Although poppy seeds are often used as a spice in the country, the import of such seeds is strictly banned. Customs authorities have seized the shipment under the provisions of the Customs Act 2023 for misdeclaration and importing banned goods.
Customs officials said the C&F agent, MH Trading of Shantibag in Halishahar, submitted the bill of entry on 14 October.
After suspending the release, a physical inspection was conducted on October 22 in the presence of depot authorities and the C&F agent. The examination revealed 7,200 kg of bird feed placed at the front of the containers, while the rest – 24,960 kg – was poppy seeds.
Samples of both products were sent for testing to the Plant Quarantine Centre, Dhaka University Nanotechnology Research Centre and the Khulna University of Engineering & Technology laboratory. The test results confirmed the presence of poppy seeds.
Deputy Commissioner Kabir said further legal action is underway in connection with the seizure.
However, Mokter Hossain Patwary, Managing Director of MH Trading C&F Agent Ltd., claimed, “We submitted the bill of entry based on documents provided by the importer. We have no liability here.”
