590 cartons of Chinese vapes seized in Mustang border crackdown
The group was reportedly traveling from the Korala border point toward Kathmandu when they were stopped.
KATHMANDU: Security forces in northern Nepal have seized a large shipment of Chinese electronic cigarettes and other contraband goods, detaining three individuals in a coordinated cross-border enforcement operation in Mustang district.
A joint team comprising the Armed Police Force of Nepal, Nepal Police, and the Mustang Customs Office intercepted the suspects on Friday night at Eklebhatti in Lomanthang Rural Municipality–4.
The group was reportedly traveling from the Korala border point toward Kathmandu when they were stopped.
Authorities confiscated 590 cartons of Chinese electronic cigarettes (vapes), along with 259 cartons of various branded shoes, 8 sacks of socks, 15 sacks of clothing, and approximately 15 kilograms of empty packaging cartons used for repacking goods.
The detained individuals have been identified as Sushant Lama of Dhunibesi Municipality–1 in Dhading, Phuntsok Dorje Tamang of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality–2 in Sindhupalchowk, and his associate Pasang Sherpa from the same municipality–3.
Officials said the suspects, along with two container trucks (Na 6 Kha 4743 and Na 5 Kha 7921), were taken under control during the operation.
The seized goods have been handed over to the Mustang Customs Office for further investigation, while the detainees have been transferred to Nepal Police for legal action.
Authorities have intensified monitoring along the Korala trade route in recent months amid concerns over increasing smuggling attempts through the northern border.
