West Bengal Police on Wednesday thwarted an arms smuggling attempt near the India-Bangladesh international border in Murshidabad district.

The accused has been identified as Hablu Sheikh, a resident of Murshidabad. Sheikh was arrested by Berhampur Police in the Jalangi area while allegedly attempting to smuggle firearms into Bangladesh. The police intercepted him on National Highway 12 and initiated a search.

According to sources, seven firearms, 13 magazines, and 10 cartridges were recovered from the accused. Sheikh was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for carrying the weapons and was taken into custody. His motorcycle was also seized.

Preliminary interrogations revealed that Sheikh collected the arms and ammunition from Munger in Bihar and brought them to his residence in Farakka. He later traveled to Jalangi on Wednesday morning with the alleged intention of smuggling the weapons across the border.

Murshidabad Additional Superintendent of Police Majid Khan confirmed that Sheikh intended to supply the arms to a buyer in Jalangi and planned to sell each firearm for Rs 35,000 to Rs 36,000.

Four previous cases have been registered against Sheikh in the Jangipur police district, sources informed.

The police produced has sought 10 days of police custody from court for further investigation.