Officials of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate have seized about 1 kg of gold-like substances, including four egg-shaped objects concealed in the rectum of a passenger and a paste smeared on his underwear, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

The seized items are preliminarily estimated to be worth around Tk 1.80 crore, according to a press release.

Acting on a tip-off, CIID officials intercepted the passenger, identified as Hasan Mia, a resident of Banshkhali upazila in Chattogram, after he arrived in Dhaka from Dubai on a US-Bangla Airlines flight at 4:25am on Sunday.

An X-ray examination detected the presence of gold-like objects concealed in his rectum.

Officials subsequently recovered four egg-shaped gold-like objects weighing around 900 grams.

They also found about 100 grams of gold-like paste smeared on the fabric of his underwear.

In total, the seized substances weigh nearly 1,000 grams.

The exact quantity and purity of the gold will be confirmed after testing and refining of the seized substances.

The CIID’s preliminary assessment is that an organised international smuggling syndicate may be involved in the incident.

It will coordinate with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the country to identify the syndicate and uncover those behind it.

If necessary, the directorate may also seek assistance from foreign customs intelligence agencies and international cooperation frameworks, in line with directives from the National Board of Revenue.