Gold Smuggling Attempt to India Detected by X-Ray at Benapole

A passenger allegedly attempted to smuggle gold into India by concealing it inside his body. Although no gold was found during initial questioning and a routine physical search, customs intelligence officers remained suspicious. An X-Ray examination later detected a gold-like object inside the passenger’s rectum. Eventually, 82 grams of 24-carat gold was recovered from his possession.

On Saturday (September 19), a team from the Benapole Circle of the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation conducted an operation near the Zero Point adjacent to the Benapole Immigration area and detained the gold. The estimated market value of the seized gold is Tk 1.47 million (Tk 14.70 lakh).

According to the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, the operation was conducted near Zero Point in the Benapole Immigration area after intelligence was received about preparations to smuggle gold into India. During the operation, a suspected India-bound passenger, Al Mamun, was detained and subjected to preliminary questioning.

During questioning, the passenger denied having any gold in his possession. Customs officials subsequently searched his belongings and various parts of his body using conventional methods, but found no trace of gold. However, as his movements and statements raised suspicion, customs intelligence officials decided to conduct an X-Ray examination for further verification.

The X-Ray examination detected the presence of a gold-like object inside the passenger’s rectum. After the finding was confirmed, he admitted during further questioning that he had been carrying gold concealed inside his body.

Subsequently, 82 grams of 24-carat gold was recovered. According to customs authorities, the estimated market value of the recovered gold is approximately Tk 1.47 million (Tk 14.70 lakh).

The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation said the recovered gold has been handed over to Customs House, Benapole, for further legal action.

Possible Involvement of a Smuggling Network Under Investigation

Customs intelligence officials said they are investigating whether the passenger acted alone or whether other individuals or an organized smuggling network were involved in the attempt to transport the gold across the border concealed inside his body.

Necessary information is being collected and verified to identify those involved in the incident. Authorities will also investigate the source of the recovered gold, the purpose of the attempted smuggling, and any individuals who may have been involved in transporting it to India, according to sources concerned.

Customs authorities said intelligence surveillance and passenger screening operations are continuing in the Benapole Immigration and land-port areas to prevent the illegal smuggling of gold across the border. Modern technological methods are also being used, when necessary, to examine suspicious passengers and detect potential smuggling attempts.

It may be noted that further action regarding the recovered gold will be taken in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.