Foreign National Detained with 8.5 Kg of Cocaine at Shahjalal Airport

A foreign national has been arrested at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka for attempting to smuggle 8.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated value of 130 crore Taka. The arrest occurred late last night when officials from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department were alerted about suspicious activity involving a passenger arriving on Qatar Airways from Doha.

The passenger, identified as M.S. Karen Petula Stafel from Guyana, was immediately singled out after intelligence officers received a tip-off. As the aircraft touched down at around 2:30 AM, Customs Intelligence officials moved swiftly to identify the suspect.

Upon inspection of Stafel's baggage, officials found 22 capsules, each wrapped in foil resembling eggs, which were later confirmed to contain cocaine. The drugs were seized after thorough scanning and further examination by officials from the Narcotics Control Department at the airport.

According to a press release from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department, the arrest was made based on confidential information, which led to the successful interception of the illegal drugs. The cocaine was found to be of high purity, making it a significant bust in the fight against narcotics trafficking.

The arrested individual, Stafel, is currently being processed for handover to the Airport Police Station, and legal proceedings are underway. A case has been filed against him for his involvement in narcotics trafficking, and further investigations are ongoing.