EB, Drug Control Seal Bengal Border Pharmacy; Cross-Border Medicine Smuggling to Bangladesh Suspected

The nearly 10-hour operation was carried out on Thursday at Lloyd Medical in Bithari Bazaar under Swarupnagar, close to the India-Bangladesh border.

According to sources, the raid began around 1 pm and continued till 11 pm, during which officials searched the pharmacy and its two warehouses. Investigators allegedly recovered several cartons of medicines without valid purchase documents or statutory records.

Cross-border smuggling network under investigation

Officials suspect the medicines were being stocked for illegal cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh, and are probing a possible organised trafficking network operating along the international border. The seized medicines have been sent for further examination, while relevant documents are being scrutinised.

Following the operation, authorities sealed the shop and both warehouses.

Owner and son remain absconding

The owner of the establishment, Shahidul Mondal, and his son, Lloyd Mondal, were found missing during the raid and are currently absconding. Efforts are underway to trace them.

Reacting to the development, local BJP leaders alleged that illegal cross-border pharmaceutical trade had flourished under the previous Trinamool Congress government with political patronage.

BJP alleges political patronage behind racket

Such illegal businesses operated freely for years. The new government is determined to dismantle these smuggling networks and ensure strict action against those involved,

BJP leader Brindaban Sarkar said.

Authorities widen probe into smuggling network

Officials said the investigation is continuing to establish the source of the medicines, identify the intended recipients, and determine whether the seizure is linked to a wider cross-border drug smuggling racket operating between India and Bangladesh. No official statement confirming the smuggling allegations has yet been issued, and the investigation remains underway.