Did BSF Successfully Foil a Gold Smuggling Attempt Along the Indo-Bangladesh Border?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BSF's operation led to a significant gold seizure.
- Intelligence sharing is crucial for operations.
- Community involvement is essential in border security.
- Smuggling attempts are a persistent issue in the region.
- BSF remains vigilant against illegal activities.
Kolkata, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully intercepted a gold smuggling operation along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in West Bengal's North 24-Parganas district on Thursday, apprehending a smuggler in possession of a gold bar weighing 579 grams.
The gold's estimated value is Rs 76.50 lakh. In recent weeks, the BSF has made numerous seizures worth crores along the IBB in West Bengal.
This operation was led by the personnel of the 143 Bn BSF, South Bengal Frontier, stationed at the Hakimpur Border Outpost (BOP).
According to a senior official, "With specific intelligence regarding a gold smuggling attempt, the troops were in a heightened state of alert. They halted a black vehicle behaving suspiciously while moving from the Hakimpur market towards Swarupdah. Upon conducting a thorough search, a rectangular metallic object, wrapped in black tape, was discovered hidden within the car's dashboard. Once the tape was removed, the gold bar was revealed."
The arrested smuggler was taken to the Hakimpur BOP for interrogation. Sources indicate that he provided crucial information about the gold smuggling network operating in the region.
Subsequently, he was handed over to the relevant authorities, along with the gold and the vehicle, for further legal action.
The BSF has fortified its intelligence framework along the IBB to deter such illicit activities. Regular intelligence sharing with the troops has led to significant successes.
"BSF personnel are well-equipped to thwart all forms of illegal activities along the border. We urge residents in border regions to report any information regarding gold smuggling or other unlawful activities by calling the Seema Sathi Helpline Number 14419. They may also send text or voice messages to the WhatsApp number 9903472227. Those who provide reliable information will be rewarded, and their identities will be kept confidential," the official added.