Customs intelligence officials have seized around 81 tonnes of duplex board imported duty-free under the bonded warehouse facility while it was allegedly being taken to Old Dhaka’s Naya Bazar for sale instead of its designated destination in Khulna.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) conducted the operation in Naya Bazar, according to a press release issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Saturday (August 29).

The NBR said the consignments of duplex board had been imported duty-free under the bonded facility and were supposed to be transported from Chattogram Port to Khulna. The normal route was through Kanchpur, Signboard, Postogola, the Mawa Expressway and the Padma Bridge.

However, a convoy of 10 trucks deviated from the designated route and entered the Naya Bazar area of Old Dhaka. Intelligence indicated that the duty-free paper was being prepared for sale at a wholesale market there.

Acting on the information, CIID officials launched an operation in the area. One truck managed to flee after the convoy members noticed the customs officials’ surveillance, while another truck was intercepted shortly before the paper was allegedly sold.

The seized truck was found carrying duplex board imported under the bonded facility. The entire convoy was carrying approximately 81 tonnes of paper, according to the NBR.

Under the bonded facility, duty-free imported goods are intended to be used by designated industrial establishments for production purposes. Selling or transferring such goods outside the authorised destination can facilitate customs duty and tax evasion.

The CIID is investigating the incident. Officials are verifying the exact quantity of the seized goods, the importer, the concerned clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent, import documents and the potential amount of evaded duties and taxes.

Legal action against those involved is being initiated, the customs intelligence authorities said.