Security and customs personnel at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) thwarted a major illegal consignment on Tuesday, leading to the immediate arrest of two logistics entrepreneurs. The operation unfolded at the airport's cargo complex during a routine screening of outbound international shipments.
Inspectors flagged a suspicious cargo box registered under manifest number AMS AP 321, which was officially declared to contain everyday apparel, including shoes, pants, and sarees. However, an X-ray examination exposed a stark mismatch between the digital scans and the cargo declaration, prompting officials to physically open the package for a detailed search.
Upon opening the container, authorities discovered a massive collection of metallic ornaments designed to mimic authentic gold and silver jewelry. The illicit shipment was being dispatched from Kathmandu to the United States through Apex Logistic Pvt. Ltd., having originated from Unique Cargo Jhapa based in Bouddha.
Following the discovery, law enforcement officials took immediate custody of 46-year-old Yagraj Subedi, the director of Apex Logistic Pvt. Ltd., alongside 34-year-old Ram Prasad Dahal, who heads Unique Cargo Jhapa. The seized metallic items were confiscated on the spot as part of the initial enforcement action.
The recovered yellow-hued, gold-like inventory comprises a diverse array of traditional ornaments. This includes 22 large and 44 small Naugedi pieces, 24 pieces of 21-Gedi, 16 Moon-shaped (Chandrama) ornaments, and 20 Jantar pieces. Additionally, the haul contained 18 single brooches, 18 double brooches, five large and two small Shirphul pieces, 16 brooches featuring the National Flag of Nepal, 23 Khukuri-shaped brooches, 18 Mangalsutras, 39 Motimalas, a Ranihar, and a Trishul ornament.
The shipment also concealed various white, silver-like metallic items. Among these were four circular necklaces, a square-shaped necklace, 26 barbed bangles (Kandawala Chura), three Shirbandi sets with attached earrings (Yarling), three pairs of Jhumkas, four Tilaharis, and a single chain necklace.
Both suspects, along with the confiscated jewelry, have been handed over to the Tribhuvan Airport Customs Office in Gauchar. They remain in custody as administrative and legal proceedings move forward to determine the exact nature of the metals and the network behind this deceptive export attempt.
