indo-bangladesh-sugar-smuggling-drives-up-domestic-prices

Sugar has become a prime commodity for smuggling into Bangladesh, with the Border Security Force (BSF) continuously intercepting significant quantities along Meghalaya's international border with the neighbouring country.

 

In a joint operation on April 22, BSF troops, in collaboration with local police, thwarted sugar smuggling attempts across the border into Bangladesh. 

 

This follows a series of successful interventions, including an operation on April 2, where over 70,000 kg of sugar was confiscated, and three Indian nationals were apprehended.

 

"Two separate joint operations with local police on Monday resulted in the apprehension of four Indian smugglers and the seizure of more than 44,000 kg of sugar loaded in six vehicles near the international border of South Garo Hills in Meghalaya," stated a spokesperson at the BSF Meghalaya Frontier Headquarters.

 

Recently, troops from 1 Battalion BSF noticed suspicious movement along the border, leading to the apprehension of four smugglers from Goalpara in Assam.

 

Notably, in the first quarter of this year, BSF personnel seized around 1188 tons of sugar intended for smuggling across the international border into Bangladesh through Meghalaya.

 

However, the challenges persist. A shooting incident on March 1, involving BSF personnel and an alleged sugar trafficker in Dalia village near Shella, brought attention to the rampant smuggling of essential commodities to Bangladesh. 

 

Cattle smuggling has long plagued the region, with smugglers exploiting alternative routes despite efforts by law enforcement agencies. 

 

Yet, the smuggling of sugar and onions has emerged as a growing concern, adversely impacting domestic consumers with rising costs.

 

The complex terrain of Meghalaya's 443-km border with Bangladesh provides ample cover for smugglers, including rivers, hills, and jungles, facilitating clandestine activities.

 

BSF data reveals a surge in seizures, with 3,918 cattle heads valued at ₹6,04,44,000 seized between the last quarter of 2022 and February 2024. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) also reported significant seizures.

 

Meghalaya's status as a beef-consuming state further complicates matters, with cattle sourced legally or illegally from neighbouring states to meet local demand. 

 

However, recent trends indicate a shift towards smuggling high-value commodities like sugar and onions, with smugglers reaping substantial profits from cross-border trade.