KATHMANDU, Oct 4: Police have arrested Lokendra Paudel, the driver of Dao Jin Wang, a Chinese national associated with a gold smuggling operation involving electronic cigarettes (vape).
An officer from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police arrested Paudel a few days ago in connection with the smuggling case involving 9 kg of gold concealed within vapes.
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The incident occurred on February 12 when customs officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) discovered approximately 730 vapes bundled in 73 packages within two suitcases during a regular inspection.
After conducting an investigation, the CIB filed a charge sheet on July 12 in the District Court of Kathmandu, citing charges related to criminal treachery and organized crime. The involvement of Krishna Bahadur Mahara and his son Rahul was also mentioned in the case, leading to increased pressure for their investigation.
In response to increased pressure, the CIB arrested Rahul, the son of former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, on August 30, reigniting the investigation into the gold smuggling case. Paudel was arrested during the second phase of the investigation.
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