Kathmandu: The Department of Customs has taken decisive action in response to the recent gold smuggling incident at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Following the illegal entry of approximately one quintal of gold without proper inspection, the department swiftly formed a six-member probe committee to investigate the matter further.

Heading the investigation committee is Man Bahadur Poudel, Director at the Investigation Section of the Department of Customs, while Punya Bikram Khadka serves as the Information Officer. The committee has been given a deadline of five days to present its findings and report on the circumstances surrounding the unchecked entry of such a large quantity of gold through customs.

The decision to establish the probe committee was made by Shova Kanta Poudel, the Director General of the Department of Customs, who recognizes the need for a thorough examination of how this security breach occurred. Information Officer Khadka explained that such incidents might occur occasionally due to technical errors, even when department staff carry out the necessary checks.

The gold, weighing around 100 kilograms, was originally seized by the Department of Revenue Investigation in Sinamangal on Wednesday. As part of the ongoing investigation, six individuals have been apprehended in connection with the smuggling case.

For safekeeping, the seized gold has been sent to Nepal Rastra Bank through the Department of Customs, according to Nawaraj Dhungana, Director General of the Department of Revenue Investigation.

The formation of the probe committee reflects the government's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within the customs and revenue departments. By thoroughly examining the incident and identifying any lapses or technical errors, the authorities aim to prevent similar occurrences in the future and uphold the integrity of the country's customs procedures.