80 Gold Bars Recovered Hidden Inside Airline Workers’ Shoes

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has recovered 80 gold bars that were specially concealed inside the shoes of two airline workers at the runway of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The total weight of the recovered gold is approximately 9.34 kilograms, with an estimated market value of Tk 16.25 crore.

According to CIID sources, customs intelligence officials were already on alert at the airport based on confidential information. After an Emirates Airlines flight from Dubai arrived at the Dhaka airport runway, the movements of two airline workers appeared suspicious, prompting officials to conduct searches on them.

During the search, the gold bars were found hidden inside specially designed compartments within the shoes they were wearing. The bars were subsequently removed and counted, with a total of 80 bars recovered. According to the relevant sources, each bar weighed approximately 117 grams.

Customs intelligence officials said that concealing gold inside shoes to avoid routine searches may have been used as a method of smuggling. An investigation has been launched to determine from whom the shipment of gold was collected and to whom it was supposed to be delivered in Dhaka.

In the preliminary investigation, officials suspect that an organized group may have attempted to bring the gold shipment into the country by using airline workers. Investigators are also examining whether anyone else was involved in the operation.

The two detained airline workers are being questioned in connection with the incident. Relevant agencies are continuing their investigation to identify the source of the gold, its potential recipient and the entire smuggling network. The process of taking legal action against those involved under the existing laws has also begun, according to the relevant sources.