KATHMANDU: Authorities have seized 1.643 kilograms of illegal gold at Tribhuvan International Airport during the months of July and August. The airport security office confirmed that 45 individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the smuggling attempts. The estimated value of the seized gold is approximately Rs 42.57 million.
Preliminary investigations reveal that smugglers have been exploiting passengers returning from foreign employment by offering them incentives to carry the gold. The security office is currently coordinating with relevant authorities to proceed with further legal action against those arrested.
In addition to the gold seizures, security personnel apprehended 10 individuals for attempting to smuggle electronic goods worth Rs 8.82 million in violation of customs regulations. The confiscated items, which include mobile phones, laptops, and vapes, have been handed over to the Tribhuvan Airport Customs Office in Gauchar for further investigation and legal processing.
The airport security office stated that it has intensified surveillance by implementing risk-based checks, X-ray screening, and enhanced intelligence gathering to curb illegal smuggling activities. Passengers have been urged to comply strictly with customs laws and to avoid falling under the influence or pressure of smuggling syndicates.
