BSF Seizes Phensedyl Worth 1.4 Crore Near Bangladesh Border

62,000 bottles of Phensedyl, a codeine-based cough syrup were found inside three underground bunkers at the India-Bangladesh border in Majhdia of Krishnaganj in Nadia, West Bengal. However, no arrests were made.

The Border Security Force (BSF) unearthed the underground chambers, located less than 2km from the border in West Bengal's Nadia district on Friday following a tip they received. The raid was carried out by BSF personnel from Border Outpost Tungi, with the help of local police. The seized commodities have been handed over to the concerned departments for further procedure.

This massive haul of Phensedyl surprised the authorities as such a huge storage facility was operating so close to the border. The officials pointed out the possibility of a large-scale racket which might have already sent out large quantities of drugs across the border.

Out of the three storage tanks discovered, two were concealed beneath dense vegetation, whereas the third was hidden under a hut made using corrugated galvanized iron (CGI) sheets.

Phensedyl cough syrups reduce the activity of brain's cough center and blocks the effects of histamine. It usually provides temporary relief from cough. However, high quantities of it can cause drowsiness and dizziness which makes it a popular drug of abuse. Since liquor is banned in Bangladesh, it is commonly used as a cheap alternative for alcohol.

BSF South Bengal Frontier spokesperson highlighted the significance of this cordon and search operation while appreciating the courage and commitment of the BSF personnel. He added that the police are trying to locate the source and the supply chain that operates from the manufacturing units to the border areas, hoping to have bigger revelations in the future.

The operation has revealed the modus operandi and the extent to which smugglers go to evade detection. It has also shed light on the sophisticated smuggling network operating in the Indo-Bangla border. BSF plays a significant role in maintaining peace at the borders.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)