Chinese-Nepalese Border Becomes Hub for Gold Smuggling

Border crossings established to promote trade and local convenience between Nepal and China have turned into major hubs for gold smuggling and illegal transactions, raising concerns about the integrity of the cross-border activities. Areas such as Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok, and Dolakha, in close proximity to Kathmandu, have emerged as key centers for illegal gold trading, with police operations unveiling significant quantities of smuggled gold.

In a recent investigation report released by Dolakha police, it was disclosed that over 11 kg of gold was recovered, but startlingly, more than 33 kg of gold was smuggled, implicating Chinese smugglers in the illicit activities. Similarly, Rasuwagadhi crossing has witnessed a surge in gold smuggling in recent days, leading to the arrest of three individuals in tuesday. The arrested individuals, identified as Suresh Tamang, Nimatasi Tamang, and Nwang Lopchan Tamang, were found smuggling 12 tola gold rings brought from Kerung.

Police Chief DSP Subas Budhathoki informed that the arrested individuals had gold worth NPR 13 lacs and 88 thousand, which was sent to the customs office for further legal processing. Another incident last Sunday resulted in the arrest of three individuals with gold rings worth NPR 14 lakh 91 thousand 682, reinforcing the escalating trend of gold smuggling. Nepal Police has urged both businessmen and the general public to refrain from engaging in illegal gold activities.

Meanwhile, a gold smuggling investigation report from the District Police Office Dolakha revealed the seizure of 11 kg 532.038 grams of gold and cash worth NPR 18 lacs around three months ago. A detailed investigation exposed that the smuggling group, with a main mastermind identified as 66-year-old Dawa from China Sichuan, Dhomay Cholka, and 54-year-old Geng Rou, had smuggled gold worth more than NPR 31 crores.

DSP Deepak Khadka, Chief of Dolakha Police, stated that among the 16 individuals involved, Dawa and Geng Rou were arrested, and efforts are underway to locate the 12 fugitives still at large. The revelations underscore the growing challenge of illegal gold trade along the Nepal-China border, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to curb such activities and maintain the integrity of cross-border trade relations.