The BSF (Meghalaya Frontier) seized more than 10,000 head of cattle worth more than Rs 16 crore while 176 illegal migrants along the international border were apprehended last year.

The BSF on Wednesday said 10,239 head of cattle were seized last year, which was valued at Rs 16.86 crore.

The frequent seizure of cattle was an indicator of the increase in smuggling attempts along the border during 2019, a BSF official said. He added that cattle were mostly transported in trucks wherein they were cruelly stuffed and cramped with their limbs and mouths tied up.

“The smugglers were desperate to smuggle cattle tried to take advantage of the gaps and vulnerable areas, but BSF time and again foiled their nefarious design. The recycling of auctioned cattle for smuggling posed a challenge to the force,” he added.

Moreover, the BSF official said around Rs 20 lakh as hawala transaction, which was being sent through Bangladesh, was seized during the year.

They were also able to apprehend a Bangladeshi national while he was trying to smuggle fake Indian currency notes valued at Rs 1.06 lakh.

This helped in unearthing a Bangladesh syndicate involved in circulation of fake currency.

The BSF, along with Meghalaya police, had carried out operations against narcotics. During the year, the forces were able to seize 3,665 Yaba tablets.

In 2019, the BSF apprehended 176 illegal entrants on the international border.