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Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) The Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a major attempt to smuggle gold across the India-Bangladesh border by arresting a smuggler in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas district and seizing gold worth over Rs 2.45 crore from him.
A senior BSF officer said troops of 145 Bn BSF, South Bengal Frontier, deployed at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Petrapole had received intelligence indicating an attempt to smuggle gold from Bangladesh into India and were keeping a close watch on the activity.
“BSF vehicle checking team intercepted an empty truck entering India from Benapole in Bangladesh. During the search of the vehicle, two green packets were seized which contained eight pieces of gold,” he said.
The official said the packet contained six gold bars and two biscuits, the total weight of which was 1,974.540 grams of gold.
“The value of the gold was approximately Rs 2,45,79,073.90. During interrogation, the driver of the vehicle confessed that he had agreed to take the consignment across the border in his truck for money,” he said.
He further informed that the smuggler along with his truck and gold have been handed over to the concerned authorities for further legal action.
The official said the BSF continues its unwavering commitment to prevent cross-border crimes along the India-Bangladesh border.
He said, “This operation once again underlines the vigilance and operational excellence of the BSF troops deployed at ICP Petrapole. We have strengthened our intelligence network, and there is complete coordination between all branches, hence the successes are being achieved.”
BSF’s South Bengal Frontier has made a series of gold seizures over the past few weeks, the officer said, adding that several smugglers have been caught and vital information has been collected about the networks operating on the border.
Appreciating the efforts of the troops, the officer said they are committed to protecting the border and preventing all forms of smuggling, he said.
He once again urged the residents of the border areas to report any information regarding gold smuggling or other illegal activities on the Seema Sathi helpline number 14419.
They can also send text or voice messages to WhatsApp number 9903472227. He said those providing reliable information would be given appropriate rewards and their identities would be kept confidential.
–IANS
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