BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 4th March 2024: The Border Security Force (BSF) has intercepted and confiscated Indian goods worth a staggering Rs 4,37,15,589. These goods were apprehended during smuggling attempts from Tripura to Bangladesh, shedding light on the persistent issue of cross-border smuggling.
Responding to queries raised by CPIM MLA Jitendra Chaudhury during the Tripura Legislative Assembly session held on Monday, Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha, who also oversees the Home department, disclosed these alarming figures. According to Dr. Saha, the BSF seized the contraband over a six-month period spanning from August 01, 2023, to January 31, 2024.
The confiscated goods include a variety of items, such as 2212.87 kgs of cannabis valued at Rs 1,10,64,350, 11,411 bottles of cough syrup amounting to Rs 21,22,886, 2047 tablets valued at Rs 1,02,350, 32.83 grams of heroin worth Rs 3,28,300, 248 bundles of clothes valued at Rs 2,31,05,900, Bangladeshi currency amounting to 10,53,593 taka, 71 cattle valued at Rs 21,10,000, 29,900 kgs of sugar worth Rs 14,95,000, alongside various other items such as foreign liquors, a Bolero Pick-Up van, mobile sets, etc.
Dr. Saha further revealed that in connection with these smuggling incidents, a total of 14 cases have been registered across different police stations. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have apprehended 26 individuals involved in these illicit activities.
This revelation underscores the challenges faced by authorities in curbing cross-border smuggling activities and highlights the need for concerted efforts to combat such illegal practices effectively.