Kathmandu – Nepal’s customs and security authorities in Rasuwa have seized illegal goods worth Rs 35.17 million during the first nine months of the current fiscal year as part of a joint campaign to curb revenue leakage and illegal imports.
The Rasuwa Customs Office, the District Police Office and the Armed Police Force jointly confiscated goods valued at Rs 35,176,420 between the beginning of the fiscal year and mid April.
According to Karbir Gaihre, Information Officer at the Rasuwa Customs Office, customs officials carried out 15 raids and inspections during the period. The District Police Office conducted 19 operations while Armed Police Force No. 20 Gulma carried out 23.
The seized goods included chocolates, pickles, sauces used in chowmein, ready-made garments, rolls of fabric, coffee, children’s toys, thermos flasks, vapes, cigarettes and other items. The Customs Office said more than 80 percent of the confiscated goods were food and other consumable products.
Gaihre said the value of seized goods is initially estimated based on market prices by security personnel. The final valuation is determined after food quality testing, international market prices and a decision by the valuation committee. Goods deemed fit for sale are auctioned while products unfit for consumption are destroyed in the presence of representatives from the relevant authorities.
District Police Chief Ashok Thapa said police have continued to confiscate illegal goods found during patrols, vehicle inspections and operations based on intelligence before handing them over to the Customs Office.
Customs officials said joint monitoring and inspections by security agencies and customs authorities will be further strengthened to prevent revenue leakage and curb illegal imports.
