Indian cosmetics worth Tk48 lakh seized from Banasree, 1 arrested

The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Tejgaon Division, has seized a large quantity of smuggled Indian cosmetics worth Tk48 lakhs during a raid in the capital's Banasree area. 

A smuggler, Firoz Alam Babu,37, was arrested during the operation, confirmed Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) of DB Tejgaon Division, Mizanur Rahman to the media. 

"The raid at Firoz Alam Babu's residence in Banasree resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of Indian cosmetics. A covered van, which was being loaded with the products at the time, was also seized," he said press briefing held at the DMP Media Center today (20 January). 

The DC further stated that the seized items included over 25,000 skin-whitening products, valued at approximately Tk 48 lakh in the market. Initial investigations indicated that around Tk 600,000 in customs duties had been evaded on these items.

"These products were sold in local markets and online platforms. However, there is no way to verify their quality, as their origin and manufacturing details are unknown to the relevant authorities. As a result, using these products poses potential risks to consumers," he further said. 

When asked about arresting the people behind the operation, DC Mizan said, "Firoz Alam has disclosed that the products were smuggled into the country through a syndicate that bypassed land ports and crossed the border illegally. The syndicate operates in stages, with different individuals involved at each step. 

"A case has been filed regarding this incident, and we are working to identify and apprehend the ringleaders," he said. 

Regarding border security, he said, "The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is working to ensure the safety of our borders and is making maximum efforts. However, criminals constantly adapt their tactics and employ different methods to carry out such activities."

The arrested individual has been charged under the Special Powers Act, said the DB official.