In a significant breakthrough, Nepalese authorities have uncovered a massive cache of foreign currency, marking one of the largest smuggling busts in the country’s history. The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office confirmed the seizure of foreign bills worth NPR 250 million (approximately USD 1.8 million) from a truck during a routine check in Jhor, a suburban area in Kathmandu.
The concealed cash, which included Euros and US Dollars, was cleverly hidden in a secret compartment located near the driver’s seat. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Kushang Lama, was promptly taken into custody. Lama is reported to have a history of involvement in illegal activities, including gold smuggling, for which he had previously served a five-year prison sentence.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck was en route to the Rasuwa district, a region near Nepal’s border with Tibet. Officials suspect that the seized currency was part of a larger smuggling operation aimed at moving funds across international borders. The operation has raised concerns about potential links to organized crime networks in the region.
“This is a monumental seizure and underscores the persistent efforts of our law enforcement agencies to crack down on smuggling activities,” a senior investigator said. Authorities are now expanding their probe to identify other individuals potentially involved in the operation and to uncover the broader network behind the scheme.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that Nepal faces in curbing illegal trade and ensuring the integrity of its borders.
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