42 tonnes of opium poppy seeds seized in Chattogram

The custom authorities have recovered 42 tonnes of opium poppy seeds, worth around Tk 15crore, from Chattogram port.

The seeds were seized as the import of opium poppy seed was banned in Bangladesh, Rezaul Karim, assistant commissioner of Chattogram Custom House, told New Age on Tuesday.

The importer, Azmin Trade Centre of Dhaka, made an attempt to smuggle the seeds from Malaysia in the name of mustard seed, he said.

On April 18, 2021, C&F agent Hotline Cargo International submitted bill of entry to clear the contingent. Custom officials later suspended the clearing of the contingent, he said.

The seeds were sent to a Dhaka research lab at DNC and they later submitted a report stating that the seeds were opium poppy seeds, he said.

The custom authorities were taking legal actions in this regard, he added.

News Courtesy:

http://www.newagebd.net/article/139398/42-tonnes-of-opium-poppy-seeds-seized-in-chattogram