Bettiah: In a major push to strengthen security and curb cross-border crimes along the India-Nepal border, the West Champaran district administration on Thursday held a high-level review meeting focusing on law enforcement, anti-smuggling measures and drug control.The meeting was chaired by DM Taranjot Singh with senior officials from the police, administration and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in attendance. A parallel meeting under the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism was also conducted.Officials discussed strategies to combat the rising threat of narcotics trafficking and related criminal networks in the border areas. The district administration directed immediate identification and removal of encroachments on govt land in border regions to facilitate developmental activities and improve surveillance.Emphasising a multi-pronged approach against drug abuse, the administration called for intensified awareness campaigns involving departments such as Jeevika, ICDS, education and prohibition. Regular enforcement drives and raids against illegal narcotics trade were also mandated.Financial surveillance emerged as another key focus area, with directions issued to monitor suspicious bank transactions and mule accounts. Banks have been asked to coordinate with the RBI and police authorities, while steps are being taken to install fake currency detection systems at ATMs.Strict action has also been ordered against the use of fake Aadhaar cards, with random inspections of common service centres and registration of FIRs against violators. Authorities were further instructed to identify and process the return of unauthorised foreign nationals in border areas.“Ensuring robust border security and eliminating the nexus of smuggling and narcotics is our top priority. All agencies must work in close coordination to achieve tangible results on the ground,” said the DM.The meeting was attended by senior district officials including the SP (Bagaha), deputy development commissioner, additional collector, DRDA director and other key administrative and police officers.
