SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Nepal has once again emerged as a major hub for gold smuggling. The seizures of illegal gold have touched new record during recent months, says latest data released by the Customs Department.
Most recently, a passenger was arrested with 14 kilograms of gold concealed in vest. Upon interrogation, he claimed that he was only a carrier and that his role was just to drop the smuggled gold in the airport’s restroom-based dustbin, from where sanitation staff were supposed to take it to predetermined destination.
During the previous week, three people carrying two kilograms of illegal gold were arrested by the special team of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office at Thankot check post, Nagdhunga. Also, eight kilograms of illicit gold were seized form a gold shop during a raid conducted by the police.
Following repeated seizure of gold, a six-member committee headed by Customs Officer Maniram Paudel to investigate the cases. Earlier in September this year, the Kathmandu District Attorney Office had filed a case against nearly 29 people on charges of being involved in smuggling approximately 60 kilograms of gold.
The alleged nexus between smugglers and customs officials coupled with lack of effective interceptor equipment at airports are also being cited as the reasons behind rising incidents of gold smuggling in the country.
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