Truck driver, owner charged in Rs 250 million case

KATHMANDU: The Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has filed charges against two individuals in connection with the smuggling of foreign currency worth approximately Rs 253.4 million (around USD 1.9 million) from Tokha, Kathmandu.

The accused have been identified as Kusang Lama, also known as “Phuchhe,” a resident of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchok and the driver of the truck involved in the smuggling attempt, and Narayan Paudel, who is currently absconding. An arrest warrant has been issued against Paudel by the Kathmandu District Court.

According to the DRI, Lama was apprehended on Chaitra 4 by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office with €1,375,150 (Euros) and $320,850 (US Dollars) hidden in a false bottom compartment of a truck (Registration No. Na 7 Kha 1652).

The foreign currency was allegedly being smuggled through the Rasuwagadhi border to Kerung, China.

Following the seizure, Lama was handed over to the Department of Revenue Investigation for further legal action.

A formal charge sheet has been submitted to the Kathmandu District Court under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, with a claim for recovery of Rs 253,478,842.

While Lama remains in custody, Paudel’s whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and apprehend him.

The bust marks one of the largest foreign currency smuggling cases in Nepal in recent years.