By TC News Desk
Agartala, 22nd April 2024: Over the period spanning from January 1, 2023, to April 15, 2024, the Border Security Force (BSF) Tripura Frontier has demonstrated rigorous vigilance along the border, resulting in the apprehension of 1,018 individuals attempting illegal crossings and the seizure of narcotics valued at Rs 94 crores.
Addressing a press conference, IG Piyush Patel Purtosottoam Das of the Tripura Frontier BSF reiterated their paramount duty of ensuring border security, thwarting trans-border crimes, and combating smuggling activities along the India-Bangladesh border.
During the mentioned timeframe, IG Das revealed that 498 Bangladeshi nationals, 396 Indian nationals, and 124 individuals from other countries were intercepted while attempting to infiltrate or exfiltrate across the border in Tripura.
Highlighting the progress in border fortification, IG Das noted the near completion of fencing efforts utilizing a single-row fence, which has significantly minimized previous vulnerabilities.
“BSF Tripura has made substantial strides in fortifying the border, including ongoing work on Single Row Fence (SRF) in 8 remaining gaps. Moreover, the deployment of technological solutions and local-level initiatives to seal gaps in nullahs and culverts has been pivotal in curbing illegal activities,” he stated.
The IG emphasized the influx of Rohingya illegal migrants and Bangladeshi nationals into Tripura during 2023, utilizing it as a transit point to reach various parts of India. He cited the existence of a well-established network of touts and facilitators aiding illegal migration, whose activities have been disrupted through collaborative efforts between NIA and BSF, resulting in several apprehensions.
Furthermore, the BSF has seized contraband and illicit items valued at Rs. 94 crores, including Yaba tablets worth Rs. 9.45 crore, cannabis worth Rs. 14.28 crores, Phensedyl/Eskuf worth Rs. 3.91 crores, liquor worth Rs. 43 lakh, cattle worth Rs. 3.53 crores, gold worth Rs. 2.48 crores, and miscellaneous contraband items totaling Rs. 60.45 crores.
