Key Takeaways:

• Police arrested an Indian national at Tribhuvan International Airp ort
• Authorities seized 5.5kg of white heroin allegedly hidden in pet food packets
• The narcotics have an estimated value of Rs 220 million in Nepal.
• Investigators suspect links to an international drug-trafficking network
• Further investigation is under way

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 15 An Indian national has been arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) with 5.5 kilograms of white heroin allegedly concealed in packets of rabbit and cat food, in what police describe as a major narcotics seizure involving a suspected international trafficking network. The Narcotics Control Bureau said the 52-year-old suspect, identified as Rewaraj Tighare of Pune, Maharashtra, India, arrived in Kathmandu from Thailand on November 14. He was detained after airport-based narcotics officers flagged him during passenger profiling and conducted a search of his luggage. Police said the seized heroin has an estimated street value of Rs 220 million in Nepal, based on a market price of Rs 40,000 per gram. Investigators also confiscated the suspect's passport and mobile phone. According to the bureau, preliminary investigations indicate that Tighare may have links to an international drug-trafficking network. Authorities said he had previously travelled to Nepal from Laos on two occasions and are examining whether those visits were connected to narcotics trafficking. Investigators also said the suspect had travelled to several other countries, including Zimbabwe, Sudan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia. Police believe the seized heroin could command a higher price in the Indian market. The bureau said further investigation is under way to determine the source, intended destination and possible network behind the shipment. Under Nepal's Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 2033, offences involving large quantities of narcotics can carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and fines.