Kishanganj: Security agencies have uncovered a major cross-border smuggling operation along the India-Nepal international border in Bihar’s Kishanganj district, seizing narcotics, foreign currency and banned Chinese apples during coordinated enforcement actions. A total of 13 suspects have been arrested in separate operations, with investigators examining possible links to an organised transnational smuggling network. Authorities are also tracing financial transactions, cross-border contacts and the broader supply chain connected to the alleged activities.
According to officials, a joint team of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), local police and the Special Narcotics Team conducted a raid at Kharwan Tola village in Dhanatola Panchayat following specific intelligence inputs. During the operation, 11 suspected smugglers were arrested. Security personnel recovered approximately 175 grams of brown sugar, more than ₹813,000 in Indian currency, over ₹200,000 in Nepalese currency and a Pakistani ₹100 banknote from their possession.
Investigators also seized 300 banned Nitrazepam tablets, two digital weighing machines, 12 mobile phones and two motorcycles. Officials said the electronic devices will undergo digital forensic examination to identify communication links, financial transactions and other individuals associated with the alleged smuggling network.
Preliminary findings indicate that the arrested suspects may be linked to a larger organised syndicate involved in trafficking narcotics and other prohibited goods across the India-Nepal border. Investigators are analysing mobile phone data, call records, banking transactions and other technical evidence to identify additional members of the network.
In a separate operation near the border, the SSB and police recovered 52 cartons of banned Chinese apples allegedly stored for illegal transportation into Indian markets. Two suspects, Imam Hussain and Arif Ansari, were arrested in connection with the seizure. According to the preliminary investigation, the accused allegedly smuggled the prohibited apples from Nepal into India, stored them in border areas and later supplied them to local markets through an illegal distribution network.
The seized consignment has been handed over to the Customs Department for further legal proceedings. Investigators are also examining whether the network involved in the illegal trade of banned agricultural products has links to other organised criminal activities.
In another enforcement action at New Mechi Bridge, security agencies intercepted approximately ₹974,000 in Indian currency that was allegedly being transported to Nepal without valid documentation. Authorities are now investigating the source of the funds, their intended destination and any possible links to hawala operations or other illicit financial activities.
Commenting on the investigation, a Researcher at Algoritha Security said that digital forensics, mobile data analysis and financial transaction tracking play a critical role in cross-border smuggling investigations. The researcher noted that forensic examination of electronic devices and communication records can help investigators identify additional network members, financial backers and international connections.
Security agencies said the investigation remains ongoing and that further action will be taken based on physical, digital and financial evidence collected during the probe. Officials added that additional suspects could face legal action as the investigation progresses.
