Banking News – The Armed Police Force (APF) seized illegally imported goods worth Rs. 136.13 million through the Jamunaha border point in Banke during the fiscal year 2082/83, highlighting intensified efforts against cross-border smuggling and illegal trade.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Armed Police Mohan Bista, Information Officer at APF No. 30 Battalion, Bageshwari Headquarters, goods worth Rs. 117.16 million were handed over to the Customs Office following their seizure during the fiscal year.

The APF also confiscated timber worth Rs. 2.248 million, while goods valued at Rs. 8.523 million were destroyed in accordance with legal procedures. In addition, authorities recovered Rs. 6.096 million in cash with unidentified sources and wildlife-related trophies worth nearly Rs. 2.1 million.

A total of 21 individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in smuggling and illegal transportation of goods, the report stated.

The APF also stepped up anti-drug operations during the year, seizing 343 grams of cannabis, 15,870 Tramadol tablets, 3,040 Nitrazepam tablets, 369 grams of brown sugar, 5.5 kilograms of opium, 6 grams of hashish, and 1 gram of heroin.

Twenty-two people were arrested on charges related to drug consumption, trafficking, and illegal trade, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them.

Under its anti-human trafficking campaign, the APF rescued 23 women at the Jamunaha border based on intelligence inputs. Twenty-one suspects were detained in connection with the trafficking cases and handed over to the District Police Office, Banke, for further legal action.

The APF stated that it continues to maintain round-the-clock operations at the Jamunaha border to curb smuggling, strengthen border security, and prevent other cross-border criminal activities.