Foreign National Arrested at Eastern Border with Illegal Foreign Currency and 570 Grams of Raw Gold

A foreign national was arrested at the Eastern border point of Kakarbhitta carrying illegal foreign currency and 570 grams of raw gold. Authorities seized $20,000 USD, 85,510 Indian Rupees, and 570 grams of raw gold from the individual. The market value of the seized gold is estimated at NPR 14,030,815, with further investigation currently underway. (May 18, Ilam)

The individual was apprehended by the passenger section of the Mechi Customs Office during a routine inspection at the Kakarbhitta border crossing. According to Ishwarkumar Humagain, Information Officer at Mechi Customs, the confiscated items include $20,000 USD, 85,510 Indian Rupees, and 570 grams of raw gold. The confirmation that the metal was indeed gold was provided by the Jhapa Gold and Silver Traders Association.

According to the association, the market value of the seized gold as of today is approximately NPR 14,030,815. The attempted smuggling of such a large amount of gold and foreign currency through the border has heightened alertness among security and customs agencies. The Customs Office stated that the incident is being taken very seriously and further investigations are ongoing. However, to avoid compromising the investigation, the name, nationality, and address of the arrested foreign national have not yet been disclosed. Information Officer Humagain confirmed that a detailed inquiry is currently in progress.