DIPAYAL: Herbs that have been prohibited for export are being smuggled from the hills of Far-Western Development Region. The illicit trade of the banned herbs came to light after a bundle of walnut and orchid was recovered from a house at Ghanteswor VDC in Doti.

According to District Forest Office, Doti, they seized 6 quintals of walnut and 50 kg of orchid when they raided an old house on a tip-off. Ranger Suresh DC said that seized herbs have been taken to the Area Forest office.

Puspa Raj Joshi, acting forest officer at the District Forest Office, said they were clueless about who could have collected and stored the prohibited herbs in the house.

However, Nepalese contractors after receiving licence have been collecting herbs from various collection centres.

Nevertheless, reports claim that contractors themselves might have been involved in illegally storing the banned herbs. Herbs worth millions are exported illegal every year from Doti, Dadheldhura, Achham, Bajhang Bajura, Darchula and Baitadi districts. Dipak Rimal , Ranger at the District Forest Office said collection and trade of herbs that pose threat to the balance of environment and that are enlisted as rare is banned.