Agartala: The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended 14 Bangladeshi nationals in Tripura for illegally crossing into India since January 26, according to a senior BSF official. During the same period, two Indian smugglers facilitating the illegal entries were also arrested.
In addition to the arrests, the BSF seized a large quantity of smuggled goods, including narcotics, sugar, cattle, and other items, valued at approximately Rs 2.5 crore.
“The BSF Tripura Frontier has stepped up surveillance and intensified operations along the international border. Since January 26, BSF personnel have successfully intercepted several attempts of illegal infiltration, exfiltration, and cross-border smuggling,” the official said.
“During these operations, 14 Bangladeshi nationals and two Indian accomplices have been arrested. In addition, a significant cache of smuggled goods, including narcotics and cattle, worth Rs 2.5 crore, has been seized,” the official added.
Emphasizing the BSF’s collaboration with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the official noted that around 80 coordinated patrols and several border coordination meetings were held at various levels throughout the period.
Furthermore, over 40 village coordination meetings were conducted by BSF battalions in bordering areas to engage with the local community and address their concerns.
In joint efforts with other agencies, BSF troops also carried out an extensive operation to destroy ganja crops in remote areas, successfully eradicating over 1 lakh mature plants spread across approximately 60 acres of illegal cultivation land.