In a significant crackdown on cross-border smuggling, personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) intercepted two major consignments along the India-Nepal border in Bihar's Madhubani district on Friday. The operations led to the seizure of Nepali currency worth Rs 10 lakh and a large quantity of illicit liquor.
Major Currency Haul at Betaunha Check Post
The first interception occurred during a routine border patrol by the 48th battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal at the Betaunha border check post in Jaynagar. Acting on suspicion, the vigilant troops stopped and searched an individual, leading to the discovery of a substantial amount of Nepali currency notes.
The recovered Nepali currency was valued at approximately Rs 10 lakh. Preliminary investigations suggest the cash was being smuggled from Nepal into India with the intent of illegally exchanging it for Indian rupees. A woman was apprehended at the scene, and the currency was recovered from her possession.
Following standard procedure, the seized notes were meticulously counted and verified in the presence of the superintendent of customs. Subsequently, the entire haul was formally handed over to the customs office in Jaynagar for initiating further legal proceedings.
Liquor Smuggling Bid Foiled Near Ushrahi
In a separate but simultaneous operation on the same day, personnel from the same SSB battalion, deployed at the Ushrahi outpost, thwarted a major liquor smuggling attempt. A special patrol team spotted two unidentified individuals on motorcycles in the Ushrahi-Akaunha area of Madhubani district.
Upon noticing the security forces, the riders abandoned their motorcycles and fled across the border into Nepal. A thorough search of the area and the abandoned vehicles led to a substantial recovery.
The SSB team confiscated 1,170 bottles of Nepali liquor, each with a capacity of 300ml. This brings the total volume of seized liquor to a staggering 351 litres. The two motorcycles used in the smuggling attempt, along with the liquor consignment, were handed over to the Devdha police station for necessary legal action.
Enhanced Vigilance on Porous Border
These back-to-back successful interceptions underscore the ongoing challenges of securing the porous India-Nepal border and the heightened vigilance maintained by the SSB. The border force, tasked with guarding this open frontier, routinely conducts patrols and checks to curb illegal activities such as smuggling of currency, contraband, and narcotics.
The seizures highlight the persistent attempts by smuggling networks to exploit the relatively free movement across the border for illicit gains. The recovery of Nepali currency intended for exchange points to efforts in manipulating forex markets through unofficial channels, while the liquor seizure indicates the demand for untaxed alcohol.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to tightening border surveillance and have promised stringent action against anyone involved in cross-border crimes. The cases are now under investigation by the respective customs and police departments to unravel the networks behind these smuggling attempts.
