Jhapa, March 3

Police in Jhapa today seized a huge amount of betel nuts meant to be smuggled to India, from Mechi customs of Kakarbhitta.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Syamkrishna Adhikari of Area Police Office, as many as 274 sacks containing 16,440 kg betel nuts worth Rs 5.5 million were found hidden in a truck below the consignment of traditional sweeping brooms.

“Otherwise we would never examine the out-bound vehicles on the customs premises, but this time we had a special tip-off that betel nuts were being smuggled out,” the DSP said, adding they are yet to examine nine other vehicles supposedly carrying the brooms.

As per sources, the betel nuts were loaded from the godown of Chaudhary Broom Industry operated by Pradip Chaudhary, in Dhulabari, Jhapa. Police suspect Chaudhary had given the godown on rent to some betel nuts trader by the name of Syam Pintu.

Mechi Customs Office Chief Bhim Prasad Adhikari said, “Such checks on agricultural goods had never happened earlier so we don’t know whether such illegal trade has happened earlier too,” he said.