Border Security Force (BSF) troops have seized a significant quantity of narcotics in a recent raid along the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. The operation, conducted by the South Bengal Frontier, resulted in the confiscation of 95 kilograms of ganja and 510 bottles of Wincerex cough syrup. This action highlights the ongoing efforts to curb smuggling activities in the region.

According to reports, the troops of the 143 Battalion of BSF South Bengal Frontier's Tarali-1 Border Outpost were conducting an ambush near a papaya orchard. They were performing stringent surveillance in the border areas when they spotted suspicious individuals carrying loads on their heads and moving towards the international border through paddy fields at around 3:40 am.

Upon being challenged by the BSF personnel, the smugglers panicked and abandoned their goods, fleeing towards Swaroopdah village under the cover of darkness and bushes. A thorough search operation was conducted in the area, leading to the recovery of six plastic sacks containing the contraband.

The seized narcotics, which include 95 kilograms of ganja packed in 109 packets and 510 bottles of Wincerex, will be handed over to the concerned department following the completion of necessary legal formalities.

NK Pandey, the Public Relations Officer of the South Bengal Frontier, emphasized the commitment of BSF personnel to prevent smuggling along the India-Bangladesh border. He stated that they are performing their duties with full alertness and dedication.

The Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal has been a known route for smuggling various items, including narcotics. The BSF has been actively working to counter these activities, seizing large quantities of ganja and cough syrup in various operations. In one such instance in August 2020, BSF jawans apprehended an auto-rickshaw driver and recovered 276 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup. In the same month, they also seized 2 kg of ganja. These operations demonstrate the continuous efforts of the BSF to curb smuggling in the region.

Cough syrup, particularly those containing codeine, is often smuggled into Bangladesh, where it is used as an alternative to alcohol. The high demand and price difference make it a lucrative item for smugglers. A bottle of Phensedyl cough syrup that costs around ₹160 in India can sell for ₹300 – ₹500 once it crosses the border and its cost could even rise to ₹1,800 – ₹2,000 in Dhaka.

In January 2025, the BSF discovered three underground chambers near the Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal's Nadia district and seized ₹1.4 crore worth of Phensedyl cough syrup. In another incident in April 2025, BSF troops shot dead a Bangladeshi smuggler in self-defense near the Indo-Bangladesh border and seized 175 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup.

These successful operations underscore the BSF's commitment to securing the border and preventing the flow of illegal goods. The ongoing efforts to enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering are crucial in curbing smuggling activities and maintaining the security of the region.