Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 13:

The Department of Customs (DoC) has generated Rs 65.76 million through the auction of contrabands seized during the fiscal year of 2003-04. It is 24 per cent increase in revenues compared to last fiscal.

The department effectively mobilised customs patrolling team in close coordination with security forces in order to curb illegal trade at major customs points during the period, states a report of DoC.

According to a DoC report, textile, electric appliances, food and daily consumer goods, cement, chemical fertiliser, cosmetics and livestock count for the majority of illegal imports. Items of daily consumption like spices, papad, Pan Parag, chewing tobacco, sugar, TV sets, gas stoves and soaps are also among major contrabands seized, especially from people living nearby bordering areas.

From the auction of contrabands seized, Birgunj Customs collected over Rs 17.37 million, whereas Tribhuvan International Airport Customs made more than Rs 9.68 million in revenues for the government. Mechi Customs seized illegal imports worth over Rs 11.39 million and Rajbiraj Customs generated Rs 6.89 million during the period.

Of the total revenue generated through auction of contrabands, Bhairahawa Customs earned Rs 4.71 million in revenue, Nepalgunj Customs collected Rs 2.45 million, Sarlahi Customs generated Rs 2.27 million, Krishnanagar Customs Rs 1.19 million, Rajapur Customs Rs 1.53 million, Gaur Customs Rs 0.34 million, Kanchanpur Customs Rs 0.258 million, Tatopani Customs Rs 0.56 million and Kailali Customs collected Rs 0.10 million during the period.

The customs patrolling team comprises of Royal Nepalese Army and Armed Police Force at major customs points along the border. The department had generated Rs 50.16 million through the auction of contrabands in 2002-03 and Rs 58.86 million in 2001-02. With the introduction of ‘Three Year Customs Reform Plan’, the department has been able to speed up curbing illegal border trade.