KATHMANDU: Two Brazilian nationals have been apprehended with cocaine in Thamel, Kathmandu.

According to SP Rameshwar Karki of the Narcotics Control Bureau, the individuals, Larison Brito Dos Santos and Fernanda Bhel Dis, were residing in a hotel in Thamel when they were arrested under suspicious circumstances.

The Bureau, which monitors individuals engaging in suspicious activities upon entry into Nepal from various countries, detained the suspects after prolonged surveillance, stated SP Karki.

During a search operation conducted at the hotel where they were staying last Tuesday, Larison’s suitcase yielded 77 capsules wrapped in 77 plastic pellets containing 840 grams of cocaine. Similarly, Fernanda’s suitcase contained 62 capsules wrapped in 62 plastic pellets with 550 grams of cocaine.

SP Karki disclosed that a total of 1 kilogram 390 grams of cocaine was seized from their room.

Investigations revealed that both individuals smuggled the cocaine capsules from São Paulo, Brazil, by concealing them in their stomachs.

Further investigations are ongoing, and both individuals have been presented at the District Court, Kathmandu.

SP Karki estimated the seized cocaine to have a black market value of Rs 43,650,000.