In a significant crackdown on illegal imports, the Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI), in collaboration with the police, has seized a staggering 86,000 units of electronic cigarettes (vapes) from a warehouse in Imadol, Mahalaxmi Municipality, Lalitpur. The operation is part of an ongoing effort to curb revenue evasion and tackle the smuggling of vapes into Nepal.
Unprecedented Seizures in Two Weeks
According to officials, nearly 120,000 units of vapes have been confiscated in the past two weeks. The smuggled vapes, primarily originating from China, were brought into Nepal via the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points. This time, however, the Korala border point in Mustang was also exploited for illegal entry.
Despite the existence of legal provisions allowing vape imports upon payment of customs duties, smuggling operations have persisted, posing challenges to revenue collection and law enforcement.
Major Seizures Across Multiple Locations
The 86,000 vapes seized from the Imadol warehouse represent the largest single haul to date. In addition, DRI’s intensified surveillance led to the confiscation of 19,000 units from Mustang, packed in 95 cartons, as well as 15,000 units from Pathlaiya and 4,000 units from Butwal.
The vapes intercepted at the Korala border on January 19 were transported to the DRI by the Mustang District Police. According to Inspector Sagar Paudel, the police intercepted a vehicle carrying the contraband near the Annapurna Conservation Area checkpoint in Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-4, Jomsom. The vehicle, along with its driver, was handed over to the authorities for further investigation.
Market Value and Demand
The seized vapes, available in various flavors, have an estimated market value exceeding NPR 250 million (approximately USD 1.9 million). Each vape is priced between NPR 1,500 and NPR 25,000, depending on its specifications, with some capable of producing up to 30,000 puffs.
India is identified as the primary market for these smuggled vapes, with many units being transported southward. Authorities have frequently intercepted shipments near southern border points during attempts to smuggle them into India.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Three individuals, including two from Imadol and one from Mustang, have been arrested in connection with the smuggling operation. The suspects are being interrogated to uncover the masterminds behind the operation and the broader network facilitating the illegal trade.
A senior DRI official stated that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected. “We are determined to dismantle the smuggling networks and ensure that legal provisions are upheld,” the official said.
A Growing Concern
The rise in vape smuggling highlights the need for stricter enforcement and enhanced monitoring at border points. While legal imports are permitted, the scale of recent seizures indicates a thriving underground market driven by high demand in neighboring countries.
This operation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in combating smuggling and revenue evasion, as well as the importance of coordinated efforts to safeguard Nepal’s economic and legal systems.
Source – EKantipur
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