Customs intelligence officials have detected a BMW sports car, the front half of a BMW 740i and five half-cut Isuzu trucks in a consignment declared as used vehicle parts at Chattogram port.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) found the undeclared vehicles and components during a physical examination of the consignment on Tuesday (October 6), according to a statement issued on Wednesday (October 7).
The shipment was imported by Ayaz Auto International of Halishahar, Chattogram, from Arab Japan Used Cars and Spare Parts Co LLC of the United Arab Emirates. Amin C&F (Pvt) Ltd acted as the clearing and forwarding agent.
The bill of lading declared items including used differential assemblies and used power-steering assemblies. However, customs officials said the goods found during inspection did not match the declaration.
The consignment contained a two-seater BMW sports car in completely knocked-down condition. Officials have preliminarily identified it as an sDrive23i, possibly a 2009 model with an engine capacity of around 2,500cc.
Customs officials also found the front half of a BMW 740i, believed to be a 2016 model with an engine capacity of around 3,000cc. They are investigating whether the remaining portion of the vehicle was imported, or was intended to be imported, in another consignment.
Five half-cut Isuzu trucks were also found, with various vehicle parts stored inside their cabins.
CIID is investigating whether the shipment involved misdeclaration and an attempt to evade customs duties and taxes. Officials are also examining whether major vehicle components are being brought into the country through separate consignments for later reassembly.
The authorities are checking the inventory, chassis and VIN numbers, engine details, actual value and import status of the goods.
Further action will be taken under the Customs Act, 2023, and other applicable regulations after the investigation is completed.
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