By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 30: The Border Security Force (BSF), Meghalaya Frontier, has announced that in the second quarter of 2025, it has made 33 significant seizures along the porous Indo-Bangladesh border.
According to a statement, between April 25 and July 25, BSF Meghalaya apprehended 35 individuals, including 23 Indian nationals and 12 Bangladeshi nationals, and seized goods valued at over Rs 39 lakh.
“Recently, BSF Meghalaya seized mobile displays worth more than ₹31 lakhs—which seems to be a new trend in smuggling,” it said.
In a broader crackdown, the BSF apprehended 116 Bangladeshi and 34 Indian nationals for illegal infiltration and smuggling attempts. This included the arrest of four touts—two each from India and Bangladesh—who were actively aiding unlawful cross-border movement. “During all above operations, an excellent coordination with Meghalaya Police was maintained and necessary support was provided by state police,” the statement said.
The BSF, in the second quarter, also ramped up anti-smuggling efforts, leading to the recovery of contraband and 622 cattle valued at approximately Rs 7.5 crore. Other seized items included Yaba tablets, ganja, liquor, garments, cosmetics and miscellaneous goods intended for illegal trans-border trade.
Beyond its security mandate, the BSF Meghalaya has conducted outreach programmes in remote border areas and delivering timely humanitarian assistance. The force has also provided emergency medical support, including evacuations of ailing civilians and accident victims.
“Notably, BSF Meghalaya provided an emergency ambulance from Umkiang PHC to evacuate an unconscious patient, Mrs. Berlin Tariang, to Silchar for advanced medical care. In another act of swift response, BSF troops rescued and evacuated seven injured civilians following a truck accident near BOP Phanda, transporting them to Baghmara Hospital for further treatment,” the statement said.
The BSF Meghalaya has also maintained regular coordination with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) through field-level meetings aimed at tackling infiltration, smuggling routes and other cross-border threats. Intelligence gathered during interrogations of arrested individuals is being shared with enforcement agencies to dismantle organised crime networks.
“BSF Meghalaya remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance approach towards infiltration and smuggling. Through a proactive, intelligence-driven and people-centric strategy, the Force continues to serve as a vital guardian of national security and a dependable partner in inter-agency cooperation and community welfare along the Indo-Bangladesh border,” the statement said.