Security personnel at Tribhuvan International Airport intercepted a major currency smuggling attempt on Thursday afternoon, leading to the arrest of two Bangladeshi passengers bound for Malaysia. The security operation unfolded around 1:00 PM during routine pre-departure baggage screenings and physical checks at the international departures lounge.
The suspects, identified as 39-year-old Mohammad Intaz Ali and 50-year-old MD Zakir Hossain, were preparing to board Batik Air flight OD183 to Kuala Lumpur. Security officers uncovered the illicit cash cleverly hidden inside false bottoms built into their suitcases.
According to official data released by the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Office, the seized funds totaled an estimated value of NPR 3,151,000. The confiscated amount comprised NPR 2,259,000 in Nepalese banknotes, USD 1,000, and 20,000 Malaysian Ringgits.
Immigration tracking logs exposed a pattern of frequent travel by both individuals. Records show that Ali had entered and exited Nepal 38 times, while Hossain had recorded 11 visits to the country.
Following their arrest, the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Office transferred both suspects, along with the confiscated money, to the Department of Revenue Investigation in Hariharbhawan, Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that further legal and investigative proceedings are actively underway to uncover the broader network behind this operation.
