Kathmandu, April 17
The truck driver caught with foreign currency worth over Rs 250 million in Tokha, Kathmandu has been sent to jail for trial, while the alleged owner of the money remains at large.
Kusang Lama (Fuchhe), a 43-year-old from Sindhupalchok, has been remanded in custody following an order from Judge Thakur Prasad Kharel of the Kathmandu District Court. He was arrested while attempting to smuggle the money hidden in a truck en route to China.
Meanwhile, the suspected owner of the money, Narayan Paudel of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality–4, Sindhupalchok, who currently resides in Tokha Municipality–10, is absconding. A case has been filed against him as a fugitive.
Both Lama and Paudel have been charged under Sections 3, 4, 5, and 9 of the Foreign Exchange (Regulation) Act, 1962. The charges include smuggling and illegal possession of foreign currency.
Authorities have demanded the confiscation of the seized amount — equivalent to Rs 253,478,842 — along with penalties.
Lama was apprehended on March 17 (Chaitra 4) when police intercepted a truck (Na 7 Kha 1652) attempting to cross into China. The currency was hidden in a false bottom behind the driver’s seat.
