Kolkata, August 31: Armed Border Force (SSB) personnel arrested a 48-year-old woman near the India-Nepal border in Bihar on Sunday, seizing 50 grams of suspected brown sugar from her possession.
A senior SSB officer stated that the operation was conducted based on specific intelligence received around 10 AM from the Galgaliya police station. The 41st Battalion SSB’s G Company (Bhatgaon), A Company (Naimugudi), and local police collaborated in the raid, which took place at the woman’s residence in the Timber Depot area near Galgaliya railway station.
During the operation, 50 grams of suspected brown sugar was recovered from her home, located approximately 450 meters from border pillar number 102.
Upon interrogation, the woman revealed that her husband, Mohammad Mustaq, and son, Sohrab, had previously been arrested for drug trafficking and are currently in jail. She is now in custody of the Galgaliya police, who are investigating her potential involvement in drug trafficking activities.
A police officer noted that the woman’s mobile phone would be examined, and local residents would be questioned to gather more information. There are suspicions that she may be part of a larger drug trafficking network operating in the area.
Authorities have long regarded the region near the India-Nepal border as sensitive to drug trafficking activities. Criminals exploit the borders of Bihar and West Bengal, as well as the international boundary, to carry out their illegal operations.
One officer explained, “Once criminals enter West Bengal, the jurisdiction of Bihar police ends, and vice versa. Additionally, police jurisdiction is limited right at the border, and the SSB cannot act deep inside. Criminals are well aware of this situation and take advantage of it.”
The open border between India and Nepal poses a challenge for security agencies. Citizens of both countries can cross into each other’s territory without needing a passport or visa, making it difficult to conduct thorough searches without solid reasons. This lack of stringent checks facilitates the ongoing drug trafficking across the border.
In the past, several Indians have been caught in Nepal with drugs, while Nepalese citizens have been arrested in India for similar offenses. The influx of tourists into Nepal and the demand for banned substances are also believed to contribute to the issue.
Authorities suspect that multiple organized gangs are active in the region. Over time, coordination among various agencies has improved, and regular information sharing is now in place. Intelligence networks have also been activated to monitor criminal activities.
An SSB officer stated, “In addition to monitoring the border, we coordinate with central and state agencies to prevent crime. Local residents are periodically educated to help keep the area crime-free.”
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