RAUTAHAT: The smuggling of contraband peas into Indian territory through various border points in Rautahat district has gone unchecked in recent times.

Acting on the special directive issued by Province 2 Police Chief, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hari Bahadur Pal, police in the district on Tuesday took control of a truck loaded with China-produced peas, at Mahuliya in Ishanath Municipality.

It has been reported that locals had complained to the DIG of the smuggling taking place in the area as police administration did not take any action to control the flow of contraband peas and black pepper out of the country through Banjaraha in Ishanath, and four other illegal border points in Auraiya.

It has also been learned that despite the directive issued by DIG Pal to get hold of the truck (Na 1 Kha 7427) on the run, slow response from police facilitated the smugglers with time enough to hide two tonnes of the contraband leaving five tonnes in the transporting vehicle.

The truck which was intercepted at Mahuliya had the transportation permit bill for Rajpur from Gaur.

According to chief of Rautahat District Police Office (DPO), Kedar Dhakal, it is being arranged to hand over the impounded truck to the Revenue Investigation Central Regional Office, Pathalaiya in Bara district. DPO chief Dhakal asserted that police would step up the night vigil to prevent the smuggling of contraband from Nepal.

A source in the locality has informed that Nepal Police in the area and Armed Police Force basecamp, Auraiya were jointly assisting the smugglers in the illegal act.

Last month, a truck laden with peas, en route from Birgunj to India via Auraiya was taken under control and handed over to the Customs Office. Although local traders and political leaders tried to free the impounded truck and goods, they became unsuccessful after the incident received widespread media coverage.