CHITWAN: Nepal Police seized 99 kg hashish from a jeep with Indian licence plate and arrested two Indian men for their involvement in drug smuggling in Chitwan.

The District Police Office organised a press conference in Bharatpur on Monday and paraded the suspects, who are identified Sudhan Sah (37) and Aditya Sah (25). They are permanent resident of the Indian state of Bihar.

The DPO said a joint team of security personnel from the DPO's intelligence, Hetaunda-based Mid Regional Police Office and Crime Action Plan intercepted the jeep at Jugedi Check Point at around 5:15 this morning.

Police had received a tip-off that an Indian vehicle was returning from Dhading after loading the consignment of hashish.

As many as 198 packets of hashish were hidden in meticulously-made false buttons in the region above rear wheels and under the bonnet, SP Deepak Thapa said.

The Indian vehicle with number plate JH-04 B 0445 has also been impounded.

The suspects were presented before the District Court and remanded in custody for seven days.  They face charges as per the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 2033.

The duo intended to smuggle the contraband to India, where it is said that one kg of hashish fetches up to INR 5,000.

The hills in Makawanpur and Dhading districts are known for illegal hashish production.