BSF Intercepts Gold Smuggling Attempt Worth Rs 1.28 Crore Near Indo-Bangladesh Border, Arrests Smuggler
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Kolkata, Dec 9 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) reported the arrest of a gold smuggler along with two associates, all caught with 1.67 kg of gold near the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the Nadia district of West Bengal.
N K Pandey, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and spokesperson for the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF, stated that the gold's estimated value is Rs 1.28 crore.
According to DIG Pandey, the troops at the Puttikhali Border Outpost received tips about an ongoing attempt to smuggle gold from Bangladesh along a nearby road to the IBB. They set up a specialized ambush in response. The personnel quickly intercepted a motorcycle with two individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior,” he explained.
Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to being carriers of the smuggled gold, stating they were meant to collect a shipment from a smuggler who was using a scooterette from Gede.
“The troops soon identified this individual on the Majharia-Gajna Road and halted him. A thorough search resulted in the uncovering of three packages wrapped in black duct tape, containing 12 gold biscuits and two gold bars. All three suspects were arrested and taken to the Puttikhali BOP,” he added.
During further questioning, the smuggler purportedly disclosed that he routinely gathered gold shipments from across the IBB and distributed them to carriers positioned several kilometers away.
“For every package delivered, he reportedly received a substantial payment. The carriers stated they transported the packages to Ranaghat railway station and Raghunandapur village, handing them over to unidentified individuals. They claimed to earn Rs 500 for each delivery,” he noted.
DIG Pandey confirmed that the three individuals, along with the seized gold, have been handed over to the Customs Department in Majdia for subsequent legal action.
He praised the dedication of the troops and reiterated the BSF's resolve to combat smuggling, particularly during these challenging times when the focus is on preventing unauthorized crossings into India due to events in the neighboring country.
The DIG also urged local citizens to report any intelligence related to gold smuggling via the BSF's Seema Sathi Helpline at 14419 or the WhatsApp number 9903472227. He assured that informants would be rewarded and their identities protected.
