Truck driver jailed in Rs 25 crore smuggling case

KATHMANDU: A truck driver has been sent to jail pending trial in connection with the smuggling of foreign currency worth approximately Rs 2.5 billion (around USD 18.8 million) from Tokha, Kathmandu.

Kusang Lama, also known as “Fuchche,” was remanded to judicial custody following an order from Judge Thakur Prasad Kharel of the Kathmandu District Court.

The prime suspect behind the operation, Narayan Paudel of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-4, Sindhupalchowk, is currently on the run.

Paudel, alleged to be the owner of the seized money, went out of contact immediately after the operation and a court warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Lama was arrested on Chaitra 4 by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office with €1,375,150 and $320,850 hidden in a false bottom of a truck, allegedly en route to Kerung, China, via the Rasuwagadhi border.

The truck, bearing registration number NA 7 Kha 1652, along with the confiscated currency, was handed over to the Department of Revenue Investigation for further legal proceedings.