Customs authorities have seized 10 trucks carrying nearly 73 tonnes of duplex board imported under the bonded facility after the vehicles allegedly deviated from their designated route to Khulna and entered Old Dhaka’s Naya Bazar area, where the goods were reportedly being prepared for unloading and sale.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) said in a press release on Saturday that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) conducted the operation on the night of August 28 based on confidential information.
The goods were imported duty-free under the bonded facility for delivery to a bonded establishment in Khulna. However, the trucks allegedly changed route and entered Naya Bazar instead.
Nine of the seized trucks were carrying duplex board, while another was carrying unidentified goods. During the operation, one truck fled after the convoy detected the presence of customs officials.
Another truck that was already stationed in Naya Bazar and allegedly being prepared for unloading was also seized, bringing the total number of trucks under CIID control to 10. Authorities are continuing efforts to trace the escaped truck.
The shipment was imported from India’s Mehali Papers Pvt Ltd in the name of Khulna-based Sri Flexopack Ltd The goods were cleared through Chattogram Customs House, with M A Azad & Co Ltd acting as the clearing and forwarding agent and Delta Transport Service as the transporter.
A CIID team led by its Additional Director General-1 carried out the operation after taking positions at different locations. RAB-10, the Lalbagh division of police and other intelligence agencies assisted in the operation.
CIID said the usual route for cargo vehicles travelling from Chattogram to Khulna is through Kanchpur, Signboard, Postogola, Mawa Expressway and Padma Bridge.
Naya Bazar, Ray Saheb Bazar and Tantibazar in Old Dhaka are outside that route and lie in the opposite direction from Khulna, raising concerns over the alleged diversion of the goods.
Under the bonded facility, companies can import raw materials without paying customs duties on the condition that the goods are delivered to approved bonded factories or warehouses and used for authorised production.
Moving such goods elsewhere without approval, selling them in the open market or using them outside approved activities can violate bonded facility rules and may involve duty and tax evasion.
CIID is verifying the ownership details of the seized trucks, the quantity and packaging of the goods, transport seals, import documents, bond licences and utilisation permissions.
Investigators are also examining the roles of the importer, clearing agent, transporter and possible buyers, along with whether similar diversion of bonded goods took place earlier.
The customs authority said legal action will be taken against individuals and entities involved if the investigation establishes misuse of the bonded facility, unauthorised diversion, illegal unloading or sale of the goods.
