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Mechi Customs Office intensifies monitoring
Mechi Customs Office has started strict supervision of goods being exported after a number of exporters were found to be involved in betel nut smuggling.Parbat Portel
Mechi Customs Office has started strict supervision of goods being exported after a number of exporters were found to be involved in betel nut smuggling.
Two weeks ago, the customs office seized betel nuts hidden in a India-bound truck carrying agro products and brooms. The customs authority arrested Pradeep Chaudhary, but he was later released after he paid Rs5.2 million in bail.
Bhim Prasad Adhikari, chief of Mechi Customs Office said smugglers are taking undue advantage of the government’s policy to promote exports. He said Chaudhary will be taken action under Customs Act 2008 if found guilty. The law provisions for 1-3 year jail term and fine equivalent to the valuation of confiscated goods.
Following the incident, the customs office has been allowing exports of agricultural products only after a precise check of the goods by unloading them from trucks.
But exporters have been complaining the office’s move increased their costs at a time when domestic political and infrastructure problems have taken a toll on them.
Jhapa Chief District Officer Man Bhujel said the move is not aimed at discouraging exports. “If the private sector pledges not to involve in such illegal activities, we are ready to ease the provision,” he said.
Khem Prasai, president of Broom Entrepreneurs Association, said the government move has affected farmers producing broom grass.