A smuggler was arrested in the Darshana border area of Chuadanga district in the early hours of Monday after law enforcement recovered ten gold bars valued at approximately Tk 2.47 crore. The operation was conducted by the Chuadanga Battalion following a tip-off regarding an attempted gold smuggling operation near the frontier.
The arrested individual has been identified as Alamgir Khan (55), a resident of Mobarakpara village in Darshana. The raid was carried out around 6:00 a.m. near the Darshana Old Railway Station area, a location frequently monitored due to its proximity to the international border.
According to officials, acting on confidential intelligence, a special patrol team of the battalion took up strategic positions in the area. During surveillance, they observed a suspicious individual moving rapidly towards the border. When challenged, the man allegedly ignored instructions to stop and attempted to flee. A chase ensued, and the patrol team successfully apprehended him shortly afterwards.
A search conducted in public revealed that the suspect had concealed two packets tightly wrapped in khaki-coloured adhesive tape around his waist. Upon opening the packets, authorities discovered ten gold bars. The total weight of the seized gold was recorded at 1,166 grams. In addition, a mobile phone believed to have been used in connection with the smuggling operation was also confiscated.
Officials estimated the market value of the recovered gold at approximately Tk 2,47,99,160. The seizure is considered a significant recovery in ongoing efforts to curb cross-border smuggling activities in the region.
Border regions in Chuadanga and surrounding districts have long been vulnerable to gold and other contraband trafficking due to their geographical proximity and porous crossing points. Smugglers are known to use various concealment techniques and informal routes in attempts to evade detection. In response, law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance, intelligence gathering, and regular patrol operations.
The Chuadanga Battalion has confirmed that the seized gold bars will be deposited into the government treasury following completion of the necessary legal procedures. A case is being prepared against the arrested individual under the relevant provisions of the anti-smuggling laws.
Key Details of the Operation
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location of incident | Darshana Old Railway Station area |
| Time | Around 6:00 a.m., Monday |
| Arrested person | Alamgir Khan (55) |
| Seized gold | 10 gold bars |
| Total weight | 1,166 grams |
| Estimated value | Tk 2,47,99,160 (approx.) |
| Additional seizure | One mobile phone |
| Conducting authority | Chuadanga Battalion |
Officials further stated that border surveillance has been strengthened to prevent similar smuggling attempts in the future. They also emphasised continued intelligence operations and community awareness initiatives as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal cross-border trade.
The incident once again highlights the persistent challenge of gold smuggling along border areas, as well as the active role of security forces in disrupting such illicit networks.