Customs seize drones worth Tk1 crore misdeclared as toys

Customs House ICD, Kamalapur, has seized 1,980 drones weighing 658 kilogrammes,worth nearly Taka 1 crore, which were allegedly imported in violation of import restrictions by declaring them as rechargeable remote-control (RRC) toys.

The drones were detected during a physical examination of a consignment on 29 September following a tip-off received by the Commissioner of Customs House ICD, said a press release.

According to the customs authorities, the consignment was imported by Mim Collection of Chawkbazar, Dhaka, against Bill of Entry No. 12367 dated 27 September, 2026, with various types of toys declared in the import documents.

During the physical examination, customs officials found the drones instead of the declared toys.

The authorities said the applicable revenue and penalties associated with the imported drones would be realised. Further action will be taken after verifying the flying range of the seized drones and the relevant documents.

The customs authorities are also processing legal action under the Customs Act, 2023 and relevant rules.

Customs House ICD Commissioner Kazi Muhammad Ziauddin said the customs house was maintaining a strict stance against imports made in violation of the country's import policy and attempts to evade revenue, in line with the instructions of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman.

He said such measures would continue to protect government revenue and prevent the import of restricted goods through misdeclaration.