BUTWAL: The Revenue Investigation Office, Butwal, has filed a case against four individuals at the Tulsipur High Court, Butwal Bench, for their involvement in the illegal trade and smuggling of electric cigarettes (vapes).
The investigation revealed that 2,600 vape pens were transported to Nepalgunj using a Bheri transport service and smuggled into India for resale at a higher price, according to Bibek Ghimire, Chief of the Revenue Investigation Office, Butwal.
Suman Parajuli, the proprietor of Diamond International in Kathmandu, has been named the primary defendant. Alongside him, Hashimun Jolah of Tashnim General Store faces charges, with authorities demanding a fine of Rs. 6,271,676 and maximum imprisonment as per Section 23 (1) (a) of the Revenue Leakage (Investigation and Control) Act, 1993.
Two others, Rojan Neupane and Sanaullah Ansari, who allegedly assisted in the smuggling process, have also been charged as accomplices. The prosecution has sought a fine of Rs. 3,135,838 each under Section 23 (3) of the same act.
While the main defendants, Parajuli and Jolah, remain at large, the authorities have detained the accomplices for nearly 90 days as part of the investigation.
Officials have noted a rising trend in the smuggling of vapes and other contraband items, including cannabis. The Revenue Investigation Department has recently seized over 100,000 cannabis plants from various locations and is actively taking action against illegal trade networks.
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