In a major operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) uncovered a large-scale smuggling racket involving underground bunkers in the Nadia district of West Bengal, used for storing contraband items. BSF personnel seized a massive consignment of 62,200 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup, valued at approximately Rs 1.4 crore. The operation, conducted by the 32nd Battalion of the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier, took place near the India-Bangladesh border in Majhdia town, following intelligence reports.

The cough syrup, popular among smugglers for its codeine content, was hidden in three underground storage tanks located in dense vegetation and under a hut made of corrugated iron sheets. These bunkers, strategically built to avoid detection, have raised concerns about the sophisticated methods used by smuggling networks in the area. The operation also included the involvement of the local police and the use of heavy machinery such as JCBs.

“A major operation was carried out by 32 Battalion of Border Security Force (BSF) South Bengal Frontier in Naghata area of Majhdia town under Kishanganj police station, Nadia district on India-Bangladesh international border of West Bengal striking a blow to drug smuggling. In this operation a huge consignment of 62,200 bottles of Phensedyl were recovered from 3 underground storage tanks. The estimated value of which is Rs 1,40,58,444/,” a statement by the BSF read.

This discovery comes at a time of heightened tension along the India-Bangladesh border, especially in Malda, where five persons, including three policemen, were injured during a recent clash. The seizure has triggered a deeper investigation into whether the bunkers were solely used for smuggling drugs or if they also stored arms, explosives, or harboured infiltrators. The BSF’s success in this operation is a significant blow to smuggling activities in the region, exposing the complex network that operates along the border.

The seizure has also highlighted the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between security forces and local authorities to combat cross-border smuggling activities.