Customs officials at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Dhaka have prevented the import of 1,980 drones weighing 658 kg, worth nearly Tk 1 crore, which were declared as rechargeable remote-control (RRC) toys.

The drones were detected during a physical examination of a consignment imported by Mim Collection of Chawk Bazar, Dhaka, according to a press release issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Acting on a tip-off received by Customs House ICD Commissioner Kazi Muhammad Ziauddin, customs officials examined the consignment on September 29.

The consignment had been imported under Bill of Entry No. 12367, dated September 27, declaring various types of toys.

During the physical examination, officials found the drones concealed among the declared goods, the release said.

The customs authorities said the revenue and applicable fines related to the imported drones would be recovered.

Further action will be taken after verifying the flying range of the seized drones and the relevant documents, it said.

The authorities are processing strict action against those involved in accordance with the Customs Act 2023 and relevant regulations.

Commissioner Kazi Muhammad Ziauddin said Customs House ICD, Dhaka, was maintaining a strict position against imports that violate the import policy and attempts to evade revenue, in line with instructions from the NBR chairman.

The authorities are also examining the consignment and related documents to determine the extent of violations and the appropriate legal measures.