How did the BSF catch a smuggler along the Indo-Bangla border and seize silver worth Rs 16.49 lakh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The BSF successfully apprehended a smuggler.
- 16.71 kg of silver ornaments were seized.
- The estimated value of the seized items is Rs 16.49 lakh.
- The operation underscores the ongoing battle against smuggling.
- The BSF is committed to safeguarding the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Kolkata, July 14 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has detained a smuggler and confiscated 16.71 kg of silver ornaments along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal. These ornaments were in the process of being illegally transported from India to Bangladesh.
According to N.K. Pandey, DIG and spokesperson for the South Bengal Frontier, BSF, the troops of the 143 Bn BSF, stationed at the Bithari Border Outpost, acted on credible intelligence regarding a planned smuggling operation. As a result, all patrol units and checkpoints in the area were placed on high alert. At approximately 10:55 AM on Sunday, the vigilant jawans noticed a suspicious motorcyclist approaching from Daharkanda village, heading towards Hakimpur village.
The individual was halted, and the jawans summoned a motor mechanic for a detailed examination of the motorcycle. Upon inspection, they discovered 14 packets of silver ornaments concealed within the motorcycle's front and rear tyre tubes. The swift action led to the immediate detention of the smuggler, who was then taken to the Hakimpur BOP for further questioning.
The silver ornaments were weighed and appraised, totaling 16.71 kg with an estimated value of Rs 16.49 lakh.
During the interrogation, the captured smuggler disclosed that he had received the 14 packets of silver on the morning of July 13 from an Indian individual near the outskirts of the Bithari market. He was instructed to deliver them to someone in Ghoshpara, Hakimpur, for which he was promised Rs 5,000.
The smuggler, along with the motorcycle and silver ornaments, has been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.
As per official reports, the smuggling of silver ornaments constitutes a significant illicit operation along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
There is a considerable demand for silver jewellery in Bangladesh; however, the country lacks adequate skilled artisans to produce high-quality items. Consequently, silver is smuggled from India to be crafted into ornaments before being sent back.
According to DIG Pandey, the BSF is implementing robust measures to curb smuggling activities along the Indo-Bangladesh Border and remains vigilant against any smuggling, human trafficking, or illegal infiltration attempts.