Tripura: 23 Bangladeshi held with over 6 tonnes of sugar
Agartala: Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Tripura have successfully intercepted 23 Bangladeshi smugglers and confiscated 6250 kilograms (6.2 tonnes) of sugar in Samarganj, located in the South District of the state.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding cross-border sugar smuggling, vigilant BSF troops conducted an ambush near the Border outpost at Samarganj in South Tripura District.
According to BSF reports, 25-30 Bangladeshi smugglers had divided into small groups and crossed the International Boundary to receive a consignment of sugar from their Indian counterparts.
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The apprehended individuals were found in possession of 125 bags of sugar weighing a total of 6250 kilograms, along with 17 mobile phones. Of the 23 smugglers, 22 hailed from the bordering area of Feni district in Bangladesh, while one was from Chattogram district.
Despite attempts to schedule a flag meeting with the counterpart Border Guards Bangladesh, it had not taken place as of the afternoon.
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The BSF stated that an FIR (First Information Report) is being filed, and the captured Bangladeshi smugglers will undergo a medical examination before being handed over to the Manu police station.
BSF officials highlighted the increase in trans-border sugar smuggling through the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura. In 2023, BSF troops seized 549,950 kilograms of sugar, apprehended 16 cross-border smugglers, and confiscated 27 vehicles. In 2024, thus far, 211,124 kilograms of sugar have been seized, along with 34 smugglers and 14 vehicles.
The interception of the 23 Bangladeshi smugglers is considered a significant blow to the trans-border smuggling syndicate operating in Tripura. The vigilant BSF troops remain committed to preventing smuggling and trans-border crimes, as stated during a press briefing.
