Security forces in Samtse have arrested 31 people for breach of border security protocols since early May. This takes the total number of arrests made in Samtse to 61. While most have been convicted, several are awaiting trial and a few are in quarantine.
Among the 31 arrested, three are female. While most have been caught illegally crossing the border, six individuals have been arrested for trying to smuggle in drugs and tobacco products.
From the 31, the Samtse District Court has convicted 11 people so far. Among the convicts, two men were sentenced to six years and eight months in prison, while the rest saw prison term ranging from one to five years. The convicts cannot pay in lieu of imprisonment.
Four men were also arrested for not informing relevant officials when an Indian national entered the country. However, all four were released on surety. Among those arrested by the police include the 20-year-old man from Tshongdzom in Samtse gewog and a 24-year-old man from Rinchhenphu in Yoeseltse gewog. Both the culprits entered the country without following proper COVID-19 protocols.
Meanwhile, the Royal Bhutan Police in Samtse is urging people not to put lives at risk by breaching border security protocols that have been put in place since the onset of the pandemic.
Sherub Dorji
