The continuing coronavirus relaxations have led to an increase in smuggling activities along the Indo-Bangladesh border and Meghalaya has been no exception, with the Border Security Force seizing 57.1 tonnes of dry peas, worth more than Rs 56 lakh, and 511 heads of cattle, worth Rs 79 lakh, in East Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills, East Jaiñtia Hills and West Jaiñtia Hills in September, the force said in a press release today.
While the cattle are heading to Bangladesh from India, the peas are making the journey in the opposite direction.
“As anticipated, there has been an increase in smuggling as the lockdown has eased and a further rise in smuggling in coming months is expected,” the BSF said. “BSF troops deployed on the international border are tirelessly doing their duty despite harsh weather conditions and the corona outbreak.”