Kolkata, 08 December (H.S.): Security agencies guarding the Indo-Bangla border, including the BSF and local police, seized brown sugar valued at nearly Rs 10 crore, recovered over Rs 10,000 in counterfeit Indian currency, and arrested two suspects in separate operations in West Bengal’s Malda district.

According to officials, BSF personnel intercepted a Bangladeshi national, Mohammad Razzowan, during patrol at the Mahadipur International Land Port. He was found carrying nearly Rs 20,000 in fake Indian currency notes. Razzowan, a resident of Khariyal village in Chapai Nawabganj district of Bangladesh, had entered India on a valid passport and visa. During interrogation, he claimed he unknowingly received the counterfeit notes while exchanging Bangladeshi Taka at Sonamasjid Panama Port. He was later handed over to English Bazar Police Station.

In a separate crackdown, Kaliachak Police recovered 4.400 kilograms of brown sugar during a search operation in the Mozampur border area. The seized contraband, packed in four polypackets, was found near the residence of Sukchand Sheikh, who fled the spot. Police also seized a motorcycle and registered a case in the matter.

Malda Superintendent of Police Abhijit Banerjee said the sudden raids were conducted following intelligence inputs regarding cross-border smuggling of narcotics. In another operation, district police seized around 100 grams of suspected narcotic powder near Malda Railway Station and arrested Amirul Sheikh and Babar Sheikh, both residents of Baishnabnagar. Investigation is underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh