Police have confiscated 742 bottles of smuggled rum worth Rs 1,484,000 from the Mahalbari internal road in Susta Rural Municipality-5, West Nawalparasi.
The liquor was recovered around 3:45 am on Thursday after police received a tip off about alcohol being transported from India without paying duty.
According to police, a joint patrol team found the liquor hidden in 11 large green bags along the Mahalbari road.
742 Bottles of Old Monk Rum Seized
The 742 bottles of Old Monk rum, each containing 750 ml, were estimated to be worth Rs 2,000 per bottle.
The seizure followed a police tip off regarding a smuggling attempt. A joint patrol team was formed to catch the smugglers suspected of transporting liquor across the border without customs duty.
However, the bottles were found abandoned on the road, with no one claiming ownership in the initial reports.
Investigation Into Smuggling Ongoing
The seized liquor is currently stored at the Area Police Office in Belatari for further legal proceedings, as stated in the police report.
Authorities are investigating the source of the liquor and who was responsible for bringing it across the border. No arrests have been made yet in connection with the case.
Police are also examining who decided to smuggle the liquor, as the containers were left on the road.
The identity of those behind the smuggling and the intended destination of the consignment remain unclear. Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made so far.
This police action is part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling along Nepal’s southern border, a persistent challenge. More information is expected as the investigation progresses.