Customs intelligence officials have found 19 old engines, various old motor parts and two dismantled vehicles in a consignment imported from Japan after suspecting false declaration and possible revenue evasion.

The consignment was imported under Bill of Entry No. C-9766 dated July 30, 2026, declaring old motor parts and engines, according to an NBR press release.

Acting on a tip-off, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID), in cooperation with the Customs House ICD, locked the consignment on Sept 1.

The importer is Maitree Automobile of Arakan Road, Chandgaon, Chattogram, while the clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent is JP Express Ltd of Kh-197, Khilkhet, Namapara, Dhaka, according to a press release issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Wednesday.

The authorities took steps on Sept 15 to conduct a physical examination of the consignment under the force keep-down procedure.

After a two-day examination, officials found 19 old engines, different types of old motor parts and two vehicles in dismantled condition.

A detailed examination report is being prepared, and the process of taking legal action under the relevant laws is underway, the NBR said.

It said the consignment carries a significant risk of revenue evasion.

The NBR said strict legal action would be taken under the overall direction of its chairman and with cooperation from the director general of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate.