Officials of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate seized 24-carat gold worth approximately Tk3.73 crore from an abandoned vehicle in the roundabout area outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Monday afternoon.
Acting on a tip-off, officials intercepted the car for a search. However, the driver, identified as Md Shamim Miah, abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
A subsequent search conducted by officers and employees of the Air Freight Circle of the Directorate, with assistance from various intelligence agencies present at the scene, led to the recovery of 14 gold bars and 12 gold plates.
According to the customs sources, the seized gold weighed 1,812 grams (155.35 bhori) and was confirmed to be 24-carat purity after testing at the Dhaka Customs House. The exact estimated market value of the gold is Tk3,72,72,892.
A further detailed search of the vehicle yielded three mobile phones (including one new iPhone 17 Pro and two used handsets), Tk1,07,585 in cash, a used laptop, eight debit and credit cards from various banks, two driving licences, and a national identity card.
Following the operation, all seized goods were brought to the Customs Hall, where officials and employees of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate completed a formal inventory.
A case has been registered against the involved individual at the Airport Police Station.
