Dhubri district police scored a major breakthrough in the fight against counterfeit currency on Thursday, September 4. Acting on a tip-off, Golakganj police arrested a suspected Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) smuggler from the Halakura area. The arrest led to the recovery of counterfeit notes worth Rs 1.7 lakh.
The operation highlights the growing vigilance of Assam Police in cracking down on organized crime. Dhubri district, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh, has long been a hotspot for cross-border smuggling activities.
Police Swiftly Execute Operation in Halakura
Police officials said that they received intelligence inputs about suspicious movements in Halakura village, located near the Indo-Bangladesh border. A team from Golakganj Police Station, led by senior officers, conducted a targeted operation.
Upon intercepting the suspect, police recovered several bundles of counterfeit notes. The majority of the seized currency was in Rs 500 denominations, raising suspicions of a well-established printing and distribution network.
The suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation. Authorities are working to determine whether the counterfeit currency was locally produced or smuggled in from across the border.
FICN Smuggling a Persistent Threat in Assam
Assam’s proximity to international borders makes it vulnerable to illegal trade, including narcotics, arms, and counterfeit currency. Dhubri and its adjoining areas have often been identified as sensitive zones due to smuggling routes operating through riverine and land borders.
Officials believe the counterfeit money racket could be linked to a larger network operating across Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. Security agencies are collaborating with intelligence units to track down suppliers and distributors.
Speaking to local media, a police spokesperson said, “We are determined to dismantle these networks. Smuggling of fake currency is not just a financial crime but also a threat to national security.”
Impact of Fake Currency on Local Economy
Counterfeit currency circulation has long-term repercussions on the economy, especially in rural areas. Smugglers often target small businesses, traders, and farmers, who may be less equipped to identify fake notes. The influx of fake money destabilizes local trade, reduces consumer confidence, and creates inflationary pressures.
Experts have called for strengthening border security measures and introducing advanced detection systems in rural banks and marketplaces. Financial awareness campaigns are also being pushed to help citizens identify counterfeit notes.
Police Intensify Surveillance in Border Districts
Following Thursday’s arrest, police have increased surveillance in border villages. Security checkpoints have been reinforced, and patrol teams are monitoring riverine routes to curb illegal activities.
The Assam Police has also urged residents of Dhubri and neighboring areas to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Local cooperation has played a crucial role in recent operations, leading to multiple arrests related to smuggling and counterfeit currency rackets.
This incident comes amid a series of anti-smuggling operations carried out across Assam over the past few months. Earlier in August, police in South Salmara recovered a large consignment of suspected contraband. Security forces say these actions are part of a broader strategy to restore law and order in sensitive border districts.
Assam Police Urges Public Awareness and Cooperation
Authorities emphasized that dismantling fake currency networks requires active participation from citizens. People are encouraged to verify currency using security features such as watermarks, security threads, and micro-lettering.
Banks and financial institutions in Assam have also been directed to step up vigilance and install detection machines in high-volume branches. Police said they would organize community meetings and awareness drives in Dhubri to educate villagers about counterfeit detection.
Call for Stronger Border Control Measures
Security analysts have urged for stronger coordination between Assam Police, the Border Security Force (BSF), and central agencies to block smuggling routes. The Halakura arrest has reignited calls for advanced surveillance equipment, including drones and night-vision cameras, along sensitive border stretches.
The state government has also pledged support for enhancing infrastructure in police stations located near the border. Moreover, this includes deploying more personnel and strengthening intelligence networks to combat transnational crime effectively.
A Step Toward Safer Assam
The arrest of the suspected FICN smuggler in Dhubri marks a significant step in Assam’s battle against counterfeit currency. While investigations continue, the operation showcases the proactive role of state police in safeguarding the economy and national security.
Residents have praised the swift police action, emphasizing that continued vigilance and strong community-police partnerships are essential to curb smuggling in border districts.
With heightened security measures in place, Assam Police remains committed to ensuring that the circulation of counterfeit money is brought under control.
