In a major crackdown on cross-border smuggling, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized gold biscuits worth approximately Rs. 5 crore during a special operation near the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal’s Coochbehar district on Saturday.
According to officials, troops from the 138 Battalion of the BSF under the Guwahati Frontier intercepted 43 gold biscuits weighing about 5.017 kilograms.
The operation was carried out on August 30 after meticulous planning by BSF personnel to counter the increasing menace of gold smuggling along the international border.
A senior BSF official said the gold was being smuggled from Bangladesh into India through the highly sensitive border stretch.
The consignment was recovered during an intelligence-based operation that targeted suspected routes frequently used by smugglers.
“The seizure reflects our consistent efforts to strengthen border security and curb transnational crimes. The BSF remains committed to ensuring the sovereignty and integrity of the nation,” the official added.
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The Indo-Bangladesh border in North Bengal has long been a hotspot for smuggling of gold, cattle, narcotics, and other contraband, posing a significant challenge for security agencies.
In recent months, the BSF has intensified patrols and surveillance in the region to disrupt smuggling networks and prevent anti-national elements from exploiting porous stretches of the border.
Authorities have launched a further investigation into the incident to trace the individuals and networks involved in the attempted smuggling.