In a major crackdown on cross-border gold smuggling, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized gold valued at approximately ₹2.45 crore and apprehended one Indian national at the India-Bangladesh International Check Post (ICP) in Petrapole, West Bengal. The operation, which took place on Monday, highlights the BSF’s ongoing vigilance in curbing illegal trade and smuggling activities across one of the most porous borders in South Asia.
The incident unfolded when a BSF vehicle inspection team stationed near the ICP intercepted a truck attempting to cross into Bangladesh through Benapole. During routine checks, nothing appeared unusual at first glance, but the soldiers decided to conduct a more detailed examination based on suspicion. Upon thorough inspection, the team uncovered two green packets hidden deep within the truck’s structure. Each packet contained multiple gold items — six gold bars and two gold biscuits — skillfully wrapped and concealed to evade detection.
When weighed, the total gold came to nearly two kilograms, with an estimated market value of ₹2.45 crore. The discovery confirmed that the truck was being used as a carrier in a well-organized smuggling attempt aimed at transporting precious metals into Bangladesh. Following the seizure, both the truck and the confiscated gold were immediately handed over to the concerned customs and law enforcement authorities for further investigation and valuation.
The driver of the truck, who was taken into custody by the BSF, admitted during preliminary questioning that he had agreed to transport the vehicle across the border in return for a monetary reward. He claimed limited knowledge about the contents of the packets but confessed that he had been promised a commission upon successful delivery. After the initial interrogation, he, too, was handed over to the appropriate investigative agencies for further legal proceedings.
Officials described the operation as another successful example of BSF’s continued commitment to combating cross-border smuggling. Over the past year, the force has intensified its surveillance efforts in the border districts of West Bengal, which remain a major route for the illegal movement of gold, cattle, and narcotics. The vigilance of the personnel at ICP Petrapole not only prevented significant economic loss but also reinforced India’s position on the strict enforcement of anti-smuggling laws.
This successful seizure comes just weeks after another serious incident in the same region, where a 59-year-old BSF soldier lost his life while stopping cattle smugglers in West Bengal’s Malda district. His sacrifice underlined the persistent risks faced by border guards in maintaining security along the India-Bangladesh border. Following his death, the BSF ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances and strengthen operational safety protocols.
Authorities have stated that further investigations are underway to determine the origin of the seized gold and identify the broader network involved in the smuggling attempt. The BSF emphasized that such coordinated operations would continue, ensuring that criminal networks exploiting the international border for illicit trade are systematically dismantled.
