Kathmandu — An Indian national has been arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) with 5.5 kilograms of white heroin allegedly concealed in packets of rabbit and cat food, the Himalayan Times reported on Sunday, citing Nepal's Narcotics Control Bureau. Police describe it as a major narcotics seizure involving a suspected international trafficking network; the network link is an allegation under investigation, not a proven fact.

Source: The Himalayan Times

The bureau said the 52-year-old suspect, identified as Rewaraj Tighare of Pune, Maharashtra, India, arrived in Kathmandu from Thailand on November 14. He was detained after airport-based narcotics officers flagged him during passenger profiling and searched his luggage. Police said the seized heroin has an estimated street value of Rs 220 million in Nepal, based on a market price of Rs 40,000 per gram, and that officers also confiscated the suspect's passport and mobile phone. A second report of the same bureau operation likewise put the seizure at 5.5 kg of white heroin worth about Rs 220 million and the arrest on November 14 after the Thailand arrival.

Source: 2 Days Bulletin

According to the bureau, preliminary investigations indicate the suspect may have links to an international drug-trafficking network. Authorities said he had previously travelled to Nepal from Laos on two occasions and are examining whether those visits were connected to narcotics trafficking. Investigators also said the suspect had travelled to several other countries, including Zimbabwe, Sudan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Source: The Himalayan Times

Police believe the seized heroin could command a higher price in the Indian market. The bureau said further investigation is under way to determine the source, intended destination and possible network behind the shipment. Under Nepal's Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 2033, offences involving large quantities of narcotics can carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and fines.

Source: The Himalayan Times