Humla DAO orders crackdown on illegal Chinese liquor smuggling from Hilsa

By Rajan Rawat

Humla, July 21: Authorities in Humla have issued strict instructions to prevent the illegal smuggling of Chinese liquor into Nepal through the Hilsa border point with China's Taklakot.

The directive was issued by newly appointed Chief District Officer (CDO) Bholanath Guragain during his first inspection visit to the Hilsa border area. 

Guragain instructed security personnel and government officials stationed at the border to tighten surveillance and ensure that illicit Chinese alcoholic beverages do not enter the country.

He said security agencies in Hilsa had been directed to maintain strict vigilance against the smuggling of Chinese liquor from Taklakot. Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Immigration Office and the Customs Office are all stationed at the border, and the heads of these agencies have been instructed to work in close coordination to curb the illegal trade. He said complaints had been received alleging that, in the past, illegal Chinese liquor had entered Nepal with the collusion of some security personnel and government employees. Warning of stern action, he said anyone found involved in such activities would face legal proceedings.

The Chief District Officer also appealed to local residents and media personnel in Hilsa to assist authorities in preventing the smuggling of Chinese liquor.

Local residents have long alleged that although Chinese security authorities had tightened restrictions on the export of other goods to Nepal, they had been relatively lenient regarding the movement of Chinese liquor. However, officials said Chinese border authorities have also adopted stricter measures this year to curb the flow of alcohol across the frontier.

Guragain further said heightened surveillance would also be maintained at other border entry points connecting Nepal and China, including Lapcha in Limi, Chuwakhola in Simkot Rural Municipality and the Tanke border point in Chankheli Rural Municipality, to prevent similar illegal activities.

During the inspection, the CDO's team also assessed the condition of the border pillars in the Hilsa area and reviewed the overall security situation. He instructed security personnel to closely monitor any activities that could undermine relations between Nepal and China and to remain vigilant in safeguarding the international border.

The inspection team included Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Khadka, Armed Police Force Deputy Superintendent Nanda Bahadur Saud, and National Investigation Department chief Meghraj Kandel. The team travelled from Simkot to Hilsa on Sunday morning to conduct the border inspection.

According to local residents of Hilsa, Chinese liquor worth more than Rs. 400 million had been illegally brought into Nepal annually in previous years.