CIID seals Narayanganj warehouse after finding 81.6 tonnes of chemicals

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has sealed a warehouse in Tanbazar, Narayanganj, after finding around 81.6 tonnes of chemicals, including Sodium Hydrosulfite, without valid supporting documents.

The operation was carried out amid suspicions that duty-free imported raw materials were being illegally sold on the open market.

The CIID, under the National Board of Revenue (NBR), conducted the raid on November 1 following a tip-off about the alleged illegal sale of chemicals imported under bonded warehouse facilities.

During the operation, the intelligence team found around 81.6 tonnes of chemicals and other raw materials at the warehouse of M R Traders in Tanbazar.

However, the establishment failed to produce documents proving the purchase, import or lawful storage of the goods. The authorities subsequently sealed the warehouse along with the chemicals.

In a separate operation, the CIID inspected Sim Fabrics Ltd to investigate allegations of possible misuse of bonded warehouse facilities.

The company had imported 45 tonnes of Sodium Hydrosulfite from India duty-free under the bonded facility through Bill of Entry (B/E) No. C-1293482, dated October 17, 2026.

However, the company could not produce the imported chemicals during a physical inspection.

The CIID is now investigating whether the chemicals were diverted to the open market instead of being used in the company's manufacturing activities.

The two incidents have raised concerns over the possible misuse of bonded warehouse facilities and large-scale evasion of customs duties and taxes.

While a bonded manufacturing company failed to account for its duty-free imported chemicals, a non-bonded warehouse was found storing a substantial quantity of chemicals without valid documents.

Customs intelligence officials are investigating possible links between the two incidents and assessing the potential loss of government revenue.

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According to CIID sources, the investigation will focus on establishing the actual source of the chemicals, import and purchase records, supply and sales transactions, possible misuse of bonded facilities and the extent of potential revenue evasion.

The CIID said intelligence surveillance and enforcement operations would continue to prevent the misuse of bonded warehouse facilities, illegal sales of duty-free imported raw materials and revenue evasion.