Chattogram is becoming the hotspot of gold smuggling gradually. Influx of gold into the Bangladesh’s commercial capital and port city is taking place through various techniques. In the last three days, two large consignments have been seized by Chattogram customs detectives. The investigation said that eight active gold smuggling syndicates are controlling this business from the Middle East.

Saiful of Lohagara in Chittagong lived in the Middle East. Although he returned to the country on holiday but unfortunately his address is now in jail. He came to the country carrying costly smuggled gold in exchange for only Tk 40,000. However, he could not evade the eyes of the airport intelligence. Customs officials at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport recovered around four kilograms of gold after searching his body. The smugglers have become active again by using people like Saiful.

AKM Sultan Ahmed, deputy director of Chattogram Customs Intelligence, said "We had clear information and we challenged the passenger and recovered these gold bars from his possession searching body”.

According to customs intelligence officials, the smugglers were taken behind the bar several times, but the police investigation did not end quickly. As a result, the accused got out of jail and involved in gold smuggling again. Later, they were caught by the detectives who are put on alert.

Chattogram CIID's additional director general Bashir Ahmed  said "At first, the concerned police station investigate the case. If the police think the case should need more investigation, they send it to PBI, or CID or DB." So, the investigation takes long time and sometimes the accused people move to the High Court seeking bail and other redress. In this situation, it is not possible for us to prove much”.

Mizanur Rahman, joint commissioner of Chattogram Airport Customs, said "Our surveillance has increased a lot at the moment. We are suspecting that these types of items are coming in large number as the dollar price has shot up. So, surveillance system has been stepped up and every luggage is being scanned.”

The Chattogram Customs Authority has advised the law enforcement agencies to be more vigil in curbing gold smuggling along with customs detectives.