Shillong, Jan 14: In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, BSF personnel seized elephant tusks while being smuggled into Bangladesh across Meghalaya’s international border with the neighbouring country.
Acting on specific inputs, troops of BSF 1st Battalion, BSF Meghalaya apprehended an Indian national involved in illegal wildlife trade.
The person was found in possession of ivory/elephant tusks, which were intended to be smuggled into Bangladesh through Baghmara region in South Garo Hills district, the BSF said.
The seized items have been handed over to the forest authorities at Baghmara for further legal action and investigation, it added.
Baghmara region comprising Baghmara National Park is one of the richest bio-diversity hotspots in the state.
Meanwhile, asserting its commitment to protect the wildlife from the BSF said, “BSF remains committed to strengthening its efforts in curbing wildlife trafficking and cross-border smuggling in the region.”
BSF continues to be resolute in its mission to safeguard India’s borders and combat illegal activities, including infiltration and smuggling, it added.
Meanwhile, the BSF Meghalaya apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian touts near the international border along East Khasi Hills.
Troops of BSF 4 Battalion caught them while attempting to illegally cross into India.
According to the BSF, the apprehended persons confessed during preliminary interrogations that they were planning to settle in India and had sought the assistance of the three Indian nationals to facilitate their illegal movement within the country.
All the apprehended individuals were handed over to Dawki Police Station for further legal action, the BSF said.
The BSF remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding India’s borders and continues to combat cross-border illegal activities, including infiltration and smuggling, it added.
