Rasuwā Customs Office Seizes Illegal Goods Worth NPR 35.1 Million

Rasuwā. The Rasuwā Customs Office, District Police Office, and Armed Police Force have made public the illegal materials seized from the beginning of the current financial year in Saun to the end of Chaitra.

Under the revenue leakage control campaign, these agencies have jointly seized illegal materials worth NPR 35,176,420.

According to Karbir Gaihre, Information Officer at the Customs Office, the Customs Office conducted raids and inspections at various locations 15 times, the Police Office 19 times, and the Armed Police Force No. 20 Battalion 23 times.

The seized materials include various types of chocolates, pickles, sauces used in instant noodles, readymade garments, roll cloth, coffee, children's toys, thermos, vapes, and cigarettes. The Customs Office stated that more than 80 percent of the seized materials are food items.

Information Officer Gaihre of the Customs Office stated that although the security personnel initially assessed the value based on market prices, the final price will be determined based on food quality control tests, international market prices, and the decision of the price determination committee, after which saleable materials will be auctioned and inedible items will be destroyed in the presence of representatives of the concerned bodies.

According to Ashok Thapa, Chief of the District Police, all types of illegal materials found based on police patrols, vehicle checks, and received information are being taken under control and handed over to the Customs Office immediately, and this process is being strictly and continuously carried out.

Meanwhile, in the incident where Chinese cigarettes were hidden and transported in an ambulance used for carrying patients, the ambulance driver from Aamachhodingmo Rural Municipality was arrested by Rasuwā police on March 19 from Betrawati after being found involved in illegal activities. After completing the legal process, the driver was released on bail and the ambulance was returned to the concerned rural municipality, the Customs Office stated.

Customs officials said that the security agencies and the Customs Office will further enhance joint monitoring and inspections to control revenue leakage and prevent illegal imports.