Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Security forces have seized a large consignment of smuggled electronic cigarettes (vapes) from Lomanthang Rural Municipality–4 in Mustang district, confiscating goods worth more than Rs 224.59 million, according to authorities.
A team of the Armed Police Force (APF) recovered vapes valued at Rs 224,593,320 during a security operation at Nechung area. In connection with the seizure, police have detained 32-year-old Pema Lama of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality–5, Sindhupalchok. He was working as the driver of the container vehicle used for transportation.
The contraband was being transported in a container bearing registration number Na 6 Kha 7591. Preliminary investigation shows that the electric cigarettes were illegally brought into Nepal from China around three to four days ago and were loaded into the vehicle near the Kola Kola border point along the Nepal–China frontier. A total of 80 cartons of vapes were found inside the container.
The seizure was carried out by a joint team led by Armed Police Force Inspector Uday Bahadur Kumal from the APF Border Out Post, Nechung. Officials from the Mustang Customs Office, Nepal Police personnel, and local representatives also participated in the operation.
Authorities said the confiscated electric cigarettes have been handed over to the Mustang Customs Office for further legal action. Due to technical problems with the container vehicle, other goods inside the container, including tissue paper and toilet paper, have been sealed on site by customs officials.
Smuggling of electronic cigarettes has been rising along northern border points despite strict import restrictions. Law enforcement agencies say investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the cross-border smuggling network.
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