Customs authorities have seized a consignment of saffron worth approximately Tk 8 crore that was imported from India under the false declaration of “red grass” in an attempt to evade duties through Sonamasjid Land Port.
The consignment was seized on Wednesday by customs officials at the port. Its true nature was confirmed on Monday following laboratory tests conducted by the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) in Rajshahi.
According to sources, the shipment was imported on April 4 by a company named Toha Tasu Corporation, named as “red grass.” Acting on intelligence, customs officials conducted an operation and collected samples while the goods were stored at Panama Port Link Limited within the port premises. The samples were sent to the BCSIR Rajshahi laboratory, which confirmed in its report that the product was actually saffron.
The C&F agent for the import of high-value saffron under the name of “red grass” through Sonamasjid Land Port was Messrs Suchi Enterprise.
In the local market, saffron currently sells at Tk 300,000 to Tk 500,000 per kilogram. Based on this rate, the estimated market value of the seized consignment is around Tk 7–8 crore.
Assistant Commissioner of Customs at Sonamasjid Land Port, Sabbir Rahman Jisan, said, “the item was listed under “parts of plants,” including 200 kg of “red grass,” which closely resembled saffron. Although such products are known in India as “puja patti,” suspicion arose due to its appearance, prompting laboratory testing.”
He added “The documents have been forwarded to the commissioner, and the importer will be summoned. If the allegations are proven, legal action will be taken. However, further examinations will be conducted before a final decision.”
Meanwhile, Md. Zahidul Islam, Senior Scientific Officer and Division In-Charge at BCSIR Rajshahi, confirmed that after thorough testing, the product was identified as saffron, not red grass. Although the color is similar, the two are entirely different substances, which was also confirmed through microscopic analysis.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
