Smuggling Crackdown in Rupandehi: Police Seize Millions in Illicit Goods
Bhairahawa, July 17 – Authorities in Rupandehi have made significant progress in combating smuggling along the border with India. Over the past fiscal year, police seized goods valued at Rs126.77 million that were illegally imported without proper customs clearance. The findings were revealed during a press conference where Superintendent of Police Pradeep Bahadur Chhetri presented the annual report.
The operation, conducted by police teams under the District Police Office and its subordinate units, targeted smuggling activities between mid-July last year and mid-July this year. During this period, law enforcement agencies intercepted a wide range of contraband, highlighting the persistent challenge of cross-border smuggling.
Key Highlights from the Annual Report
- Highest Value Seizure: The most valuable seizure occurred between mid-May and mid-June, with goods valued at Rs29.76 million.
- Lowest Value Seizure: The smallest seizure was recorded between mid-December and mid-January, amounting to Rs3.88 million.
These figures illustrate the fluctuating intensity of smuggling activities throughout the year. Despite these challenges, the police have managed to maintain a consistent effort to curb illegal imports.
Arrests and Legal Action
In addition to seizing goods, the police arrested 113 individuals involved in customs evasion and smuggling. Notably, no arrests were made during the period from mid-January to mid-February. However, the highest number of arrests—43 individuals—occurred between mid-June and mid-July.
The arrested individuals were handed over to relevant authorities, including the Bhairahawa Customs Office, the Animal Quarantine Office, and the Revenue Investigation Office, for further legal proceedings. This collaboration underscores the multi-agency approach to tackling smuggling and ensuring justice is served.
Confiscation of Vehicles Used in Smuggling
Police also reported the confiscation of 334 vehicles used in smuggling operations. These included:
- 302 motorcycles
- 8 trucks
- 17 pickup vans
- 6 auto-rickshaws
- 1 tractor
The variety of vehicles seized indicates the diverse methods employed by smugglers to transport illicit goods across the border. The confiscation of these vehicles serves as a deterrent and disrupts future smuggling activities.
Enhanced Border Surveillance
Superintendent Chhetri emphasized the importance of strict surveillance at border points. He stated that it has become nearly impossible to smuggle goods without customs clearance. “If they do attempt to bring goods without proper documentation, we ensure arrests and seizures,” he said.
This statement reflects the growing effectiveness of the police efforts in securing the border and preventing illegal trade. The combination of increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency cooperation has significantly improved the situation.
Conclusion
The crackdown on smuggling in Rupandehi demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining border integrity and upholding the rule of law. With continued efforts and enhanced surveillance, authorities are making strides in reducing the flow of illicit goods across the border. The data from the annual report not only highlights the scale of the problem but also showcases the progress being made in addressing it.
