Customs evasion goods worth over Rs 2.1 million seized in Baitadi

BAITADI: Illegal goods worth over Rs 2.1 million have been seized in Baitadi.

The Armed Police Force (APF) seized a Bolero pickup and a tractor along with contraband goods from Pancheshwor Rural Municipality–4, Haldubinayak, early this morning. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs 2.1 million.

According to Armed Police Force, Baitadi, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jang Bahadur Kunwar, the vehicles and goods smuggled from India by evading customs were intercepted around 3:00 am today.

The seized goods include 23 quintals of sugar, five quintals of sugarcane, and other grocery items. The Bolero pickup (registration number Sudurpashchim Province 01-001 Cha 2789) and a tractor (registration number Sudurpashchim Province 01-002 Ta 5090) were also confiscated, DSP Kunwar said.

He added that a mobile team led by Armed Police Inspector Ramesh Prasad Pandey carried out the operation based on confidential information.

“We had received information a few days ago that goods were being smuggled by evading customs,” he said. “Acting on that tip-off, the team deployed in the district recovered the goods during inspection.”

According to the APF, individuals involved in the smuggling fled the scene upon seeing the security personnel.

The seized vehicles and goods have been handed over to the Mahakali Customs Office in Jhulaghat for further legal action.