Acting on a specific tip-off, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized three vehicles carrying 6.44 tonnes of betel leaves worth Rs 16 lakh that were meant to be smuggled into Bangladesh.
The incident occurred yesterday and the seizure was carried out by personnel of the 4th Battalion of the BSF Meghalaya.
The drivers of the three vehicles, all Indian citizens, were also caught by the BSF as they were heading towards the international border when intercepted near Wahkdait, East Khasi Hills.
Indian betel leaves are in high demand in Bangladesh, the BSF said in a press release today. The three drivers and seized items were handed over to Customs officials in Pynursla for further action.
