Key Takeaways:

• APF seized illegal goods worth Rs 278.5 million in Madhesh Province between mid-June and mid-September
• Authorities also confiscated vehicles worth Rs 102.2 million allegedly used to transport smuggled goods
• Fifty-nine people were rescued from suspected trafficking, while 84 suspects were arrested in various cases
• APF intensified operations against drug trafficking, illegal arms, smuggling and illegal extraction activities

RAUTAHAT, OCTOBER 1 The Armed Police Force (APF) seized illegal goods worth Rs 278.5 million in Madhesh Province during a three-month period from mid-June to mid-September, according to the APF Madhesh Province Headquarters. The confiscated goods, which authorities said had evaded customs duties, were handed over to the respective customs offices for further legal action. The APF also seized vehicles worth approximately Rs 102.2 million that were allegedly used to transport the illegal goods and transferred them to customs authorities. The seized items included food and grocery products, clothing, tobacco items, electronics, hardware materials, motor parts and cosmetics, among other goods. Authorities also confiscated 1,104.05 cubic feet of illegally traded timber, Rs30.07 million in Nepali currency and INR 4,280. According to APF Madhesh Province Chief DIG Bishnu Prasad Bhatt, investigators also seized 8.57 grams of gold and 102 grams of silver, which were handed over to the concerned authorities for investigation. Drug and arms seizures The APF reported intensified anti-smuggling operations along the Nepal-India border, including action against narcotics trafficking. During the period, it seized 193.68 grams of brown sugar, 9.5 kg of hashish and 1,606.857 kg of marijuana, along with other banned drugs. According to the APF, preparations are underway to launch a pilot anti-drug programme in local units along the Madhesh border as part of a national campaign against drug abuse. The force also seized three locally made pistols, two six-shooters and two muzzle-loading guns, along with ammunition and gunpowder. 59 rescued from suspected trafficking The APF rescued 59 people-29 women and 30 men-in operations against suspected human trafficking and transportation. Bhatt said the rescued included 12 boys and two girls. The APF also took action against illegal extraction activities, seizing 22 tractors, 26 tipper trucks and two excavators over the three-month period. Three people were detained and handed over to the concerned authorities for further action. Authorities also arrested 84 individuals in connection with various offences and conducted searches at more than 35 locations suspected of being used to store illegal goods. Disaster response The APF also reported an active role in disaster response and search and rescue operations in Madhesh. During the three months, 30 people-15 men and 15 women-were rescued safely from various disasters. The force also rescued 274 injured people, including 211 men and 63 women, and recovered 79 bodies-63 men and 16 women. The Madhesh APF headquarters has 12 trained divers who are deployed as needed for search and rescue operations during river-related disasters. 35 face departmental action, 43 rewarded The APF said departmental action was taken against 35 officers and personnel accused of violating organisational policies, while 43 personnel were rewarded for their outstanding contributions. DIG Bhatt said the force was prioritising border security, control of smuggling, drugs and arms, prevention of human trafficking, and disaster response, while strengthening security monitoring across Madhesh. He also warned personnel to follow organisational rules and said those found involved in wrongdoing would face departmental action.