The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department (CIID) has seized more than 8 kilograms of cocaine from a foreign passenger at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The estimated market value of the drugs is around Tk 130 crore.

The passenger, identified as MS Petula Stafel, a citizen of Guyana, has been detained. Further details about him have not been disclosed.

Sonia Akter, Deputy Director of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Circle, provided the information on Tuesday (26 August). She said Qatar Airways flight QR638 from Doha landed in Dhaka on Monday around 2:00 am, and Stafel was a passenger on that flight. Acting on a tip-off, a special operation was conducted at the airport under the direction of the Joint Director of CIID, led by the shift in-charge.

The foreign passenger carrying cocaine was later identified. After completing on-arrival visa formalities and entering the Green Channel, his luggage was scanned and searched. During the search, 22 egg-shaped, foil-wrapped packets were recovered. Preliminary tests confirmed the presence of cocaine in the packets.

Sonia Akter added that Customs intelligence officers, sub-inspectors, constables, and members of the Airport Police, along with other intelligence agencies, were present during the operation. The total weight of the seized cocaine was 8.66 kg, with an estimated market value of Tk 130 crore.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department stated that legal proceedings under criminal and customs laws are underway against the detained passenger. The operation successfully prevented a large-scale drug consignment from entering the country.