KATHMANDU: A Malaysian woman has been arrested at a hotel in Kathmandu’s Thamel area with approximately 6 kilograms of cocaine.

The 47-year-old woman, Bathumlai Bhadiwalu, was apprehended at the Kathmandu City Hotel, where police found 5 kg and 820 grams of the illegal drug.

A joint team from the District Police Complex and Kathmandu Police Circle, Lainchaur, conducted a raid based on a tip-off about ongoing drug dealing at the hotel.

During the operation, they seized the cocaine and arrested her.

According to police, the estimated market value of the seized cocaine is 20 million rupees.

She arrived in Kathmandu on July 13 from Malaysia, via Laos and Bangkok, and was scheduled to return to Malaysia on July 19.

Authorities noted that India is a potential market for this cocaine, which she reportedly received from Laos.

Her plan was to use Kathmandu as a transit point and hand over the drugs to another individual, who was expected to arrive from India to collect the cocaine.