The Border Guards posted at Agartala-Akhaura integrated check post (ICP) seized large quantities of smart phones from Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitri bus on Sunday.

BSF sources said that on Sunday a Maitri Bus Service (Agartala to Kolkata via Dhaka) of Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) bearing registration number TR 01 C 1299 arrived at Gate number-2 of the Integrated Check-Post (ICP) Agartala for security checking. All boarded passengers, except for the bus driver named Badal Haque, accompanied by the bus conductor and liaison officer, went inside the ICP for immigration and customs clearance, as per protocol.

During routine check-up, the BSF officials including the intelligence team, thoroughly examined the bus.

While inspecting the bus, the BSF officials noticed and got suspicious that one plate fitted with a nut bolt was clean, while the surrounding plates were muddy. With the aid of their tool kit, they opened the cavity and recovered a total of 665 mobile phones, including 363 brand-new mobile phones of various makes and models hidden. The suspects carrying these mobile phones were already inside the ICP and quickly completed their immigration process and left as regular passengers after sensing that the goods from the vehicle had been seized by the BSF. The BSF apprehended the driver and seized the above goods which were handed over to customs after the necessary formalities were completed.

BSF added that vigilant BSF troops deployed on the extreme frontiers of the country in Tripura are effectively guarding the international border and regularly seizing various contraband items from the bordering areas.