Koshi, 22 May: Smuggling activities are steadily increasing at various border checkpoints in Sunsari district under Koshi Province. According to a covert investigation, smuggling operations are being facilitated with the involvement of both the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, who have allegedly set fixed rates to allow smuggled goods from India to pass through customs checkpoints in exchange for money.
A secret sting operation conducted by JTV has revealed evidence of daily smuggling worth millions of rupees through checkpoints such as Ghuski, Captain Ganj, and Haripur. The fact that such operations are happening openly in front of armed police officers — and yet authorities remain silent — has raised deep suspicions among the general public.
According to JTV’s report, everyone from small traders dealing in chewing tobacco to large-scale textile merchants are forced to pay large sums of money to cross customs, allegedly under a system organized by the Armed Police Force. Documents reveal that bribes ranging from NPR 1,000 to NPR 100,000 are being collected, and there is proof that these rates were fixed by the armed police themselves.
The report also mentions that the smuggling of drugs (like marijuana), apples, and clothing has significantly increased in the Haripur area since DSP Kedar Jung Thapa of the Armed Police was stationed there. While the Nepal Police is said to be working to control narcotics, the inaction of the Armed Police Force has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the security forces.
Key border points such as Ghuski, Captain Ganj, Bhutaha, Laukahi, Basantpur, Amduwa, Ulti, and Sayabganj have become central hubs for smuggling activities, including tax evasion and the illegal transport of drugs. The growing collusion between security personnel and smugglers has made the situation increasingly dire.
Despite the presence of offices like the District Administration Office, District Police Office, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, and Revenue Investigation Office in the district, their silence in the face of such blatant smuggling activities raises serious questions. Why have these agencies become so helpless?
Unless the security agencies deployed for public safety act responsibly, peace, security, and good governance will remain out of reach. Improvement is only possible if the extortion in the name of controlling smuggling and drugs is stopped, and regular patrolling and strict monitoring are ensured. Otherwise, as smuggling continues to flourish, the credibility of the administration itself will come under serious scrutiny.
Source: Guptacharkhabar.com
