Ganesh Chandra Saha, the importer of the contraband cargo and a businessman of Khulna, was held and handed over to Satkhira police. Intelligence agencies are investigating the import of the explosives.

Officials said 14 metric tons of explosives were imported on false declaration of calcium carbide in the name of Tarakeshwar Bhandar of Khulna.

Preliminary investigation showed the explosives are highly inflammable usually used for making bombs, said the officials.

The consignment came by an Indian truck that entered Bhomra land port on April 11.

Acting on a tip off, Benapole Customs Commissioner Rafiqul Islam went to Bhomra, seized the truck with explosives and brought it to Benapole.

The importer failed to show government's permission to import such explosives.

Customs officials said import of explosives is not officially banned. But, one needs prior permission for that and it is not imported commercially. Usually, the army imports such explosives, they added.