Kolkata, 2 August (H.S.) -The Border Security Force (BSF) has thwarted two major cross-border smuggling attempts along the India-Bangladesh international border in West Bengal, seizing narcotics and gold worth several crores of rupees. A woman constable's vigilance and courage in one of the operations has emerged as a key highlight of the force’s successful crackdown.
In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, the BSF said that a female constable from the 71st Battalion posted at the Khandua border outpost played a pivotal role in foiling a narcotics smuggling attempt late Friday night. According to the report, around 11:30 PM, she noticed two suspicious individuals approaching the border fence. Acting swiftly, she alerted her fellow personnel and confronted the suspects, who ignored repeated warnings and continued moving toward the fence.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the constable fired a warning shot using her PAG rifle, which caused the suspects to flee towards the nearby village of Raninagar. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two large bundles. Upon inspection, the BSF recovered 1.03 kg of Methaqualone, 7.12 kg of Codeine, and ten containers (each 25 grams) of Brucine Anhydrous. The estimated street value of the seized substances is ₹3,80,45,960. An investigation is underway to identify the smugglers and trace the wider network involved.
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Gold Smuggling Foiled in Ghojadanga
In a separate operation on the same day, troops from the BSF's 102nd Battalion stationed at the Ghojadanga border post intercepted a suspected smuggler based on a tip-off. The individual was apprehended along with a motorcycle, and during a subsequent search, three gold biscuits weighing a total of 466.290 grams were found in his possession. The estimated market value of the gold is ₹46,94,794.
All seized narcotics and gold have been handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further legal proceedings.
Commenting on the twin successes, the Public Relations Officer of the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF said, “Our vigilant personnel, particularly our women constables, are standing firm against the menace of cross-border smuggling. These operations are a clear demonstration of our professional resolve and operational efficiency.”
He further added that such actions are a befitting response to any doubts cast over the capabilities of female security personnel.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
