Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have detained a foreign national allegedly attempting to smuggle over 8.5 kilograms of cocaine into the country. 

The narcotics, with an estimated street value of around Tk130 crore (approximately USD 11 million), were recovered late early Tuesday (Aug 26) from a passenger arriving on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha.

The suspect has been identified as M.S. Karen Petula Staffel, a citizen of Guyana, according to a press release issued Tuesday by Bangladesh’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID).

Acting on a tip-off received by the CIID Director General, officials deployed a surveillance team at the airport prior to the arrival of the suspect’s flight, which landed at approximately 2:30 am. 

Upon identifying the passenger, customs officials conducted a baggage scan that revealed 22 foil-wrapped, egg-shaped packages concealed in the luggage.

The packages were later confirmed to contain cocaine, following field testing by the Airport Unit of the Department of Narcotics Control. The operation was carried out in the presence of personnel from multiple intelligence agencies, the CIID said.

Petula Staffel is currently being transferred to Airport Police Station. Legal proceedings are underway, and a case is being filed against her under Bangladesh’s narcotics control laws.

SMS/