Customs intelligence officers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have uncovered a bizarre reverse-smuggling operation, seizing gold shaped like eggs worth nearly BDT 50 million that was being transported back to the United Arab Emirates after failing to fetch expected prices in the domestic market.
Officials from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) confiscated six refined gold ingots, oval-shaped to resemble eggs, weighing a combined 2.728 kilograms across two separate interceptions on Sunday, 1 November. The seized contraband carries an estimated market value of BDT 49.1 million.
The initial interception occurred on Sunday evening aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Abu Dhabi via Chattogram, which was scheduled for departure at 7:20 pm. Acting on suspicion, customs officials offloaded a passenger identified as Mohammad Minhaj shortly before takeoff. Upon interrogation, the passenger co-operated with investigators, leading to the recovery of three gold eggs weighing 1.364 kilograms concealed on his person.
Shortly after offloading Minhaj, CIID officers conducted a sweep of sensitive transit locations within the terminal. During a search of the boarding bridge area, officers discovered another three gold eggs abandoned on the floor, matching the exact weight of 1.364 kilograms. Investigators suspect an accomplice, fearing immediate detection following Minhaj’s detention, dumped the remaining consignment before fleeing into the passenger lounge.
During initial questioning, Minhaj revealed that the entire consignment had previously been smuggled into Bangladesh from Abu Dhabi. The syndicate intended to sell the gold locally at inflated profit margins. However, after struggling for weeks to secure their target asking price amidst fluctuating local gold rates, the smugglers decided to transport the unsold bullion back to the Gulf region to liquidate the assets and cut their losses.
The unusual case has alarmed customs authorities, prompting new questions regarding whether unsold illicit gold is routinely re-trafficked out of Bangladesh when local market conditions prove unfavourable. CIID officials confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway to identify the primary suppliers in the UAE, local buyers, and broader international money laundering links. Formal legal proceedings under national customs and anti-smuggling laws are currently in progress.
