KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), during the ongoing investigation into a major gold smuggling case in its second phase, has recovered a pistol from a Chinese national suspected of involvement in illegal activity.

The suspect, identified as Raju Bhote ‘Tasi’ from Chengdu, China, was apprehended by CIB officials.

The officials seized a 35mm Mauser pistol from him during the operation.

CIB has expanded its investigation into the 60 kg gold smuggling case and has placed Raju Bhote and 17 others under investigation as part of the second phase of probing.