KATHMANDU: Strong co-ordination between the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and the Nepal Police can deter crime and stop criminals from entering Nepal, police and customs officials have said.

“Nepal has become a transit point for crime and criminals around the world. We should be watchful about this,” said DIG Ramesh Shekhar Bajracharya, in charge of security of the country's only international airport. “Criminals world wide consider Nepal a safe haven with an easy access. This is due to the absence of civil aviation system , where police and customs officials lack an effective coordination,” said DIG Bajracharya. “Nepalis have the tradition of honouring foreign tourists. Thus, the foreigners get a hassle-free access here, having us at times import crimes.” Police at the TIA check foreigners only during their departure. “Most counterfeit currencies and drugs that land here are from Asian countries,” customs sources said. “With an effective tie between the two agencies, crimes can be curbed,” said Subha Shrestha, Chief Customs Officer.