Tripura, 20 August 2026: A joint operation by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Sonamura Police led to the seizure of 525 bottles of banned Eskuf cough syrup from the Matinagar border area of Sepahijala district late Thursday night.
Acting on a tip-off, personnel from the 81st Battalion BSF, Matinagar Border Outpost, were conducting routine patrolling near the India-Bangladesh border when they noticed suspicious plastic sacks concealed in bushes close to the border fencing.
The BSF personnel subsequently informed the Sonamura Police, and a joint team recovered three sacks containing a large quantity of Eskuf cough syrup. Following the necessary legal formalities, the seized contraband was brought to Sonamura Police Station.
Sonamura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tapas Das said a total of 525 bottles of the banned cough syrup were recovered. According to him, the estimated black-market/destination value of the seized consignment is around ₹5.25 lakh.
Police suspect that the consignment had been concealed near the international border with the intention of smuggling it into Bangladesh.
“We have started an inquiry to identify the actual owner of the seized consignment and determine who is involved in the smuggling network,” the OC said.
He added that legal action would be taken against anyone found to be involved in the illegal trade based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
The operation was led by the Matinagar BOP of the BSF’s 81st Battalion, with Sonamura Police assisting in the seizure and subsequent investigation.
The recovery has once again highlighted the efforts of security forces to prevent the illegal movement of banned cough syrups and other contraband across the India-Bangladesh border.
