What Happened at Tribhuvan International Airport?
A foreign national was arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for carrying 3.4 kilograms of cocaine. The drug was concealed in a false bottom of his suitcase.
The arrest occurred during a security screening on Saturday night. The suspect had just arrived in Kathmandu on a Qatar Airways flight.
Who Was the Suspect Caught with Cocaine?
The suspect is a 47-year-old Brazilian citizen. His identity has not been disclosed by Nepal Police at the time of reporting.
He was detained after officials found suspicious compartments in his luggage and conducted a detailed inspection.
How Was the Cocaine Concealed?
The 3.4 kg of cocaine was hidden inside a false bottom compartment of a black suitcase. Officials described the concealment as “professionally done.”
Airport security and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officers discovered the drugs using scanning equipment and physical checks.
What Is the Estimated Value of the Seized Cocaine?
The cocaine’s estimated street value is around Rs 100 million (approximately $750,000 USD), according to the Narcotics Control Bureau.
Authorities are investigating whether the drugs were meant for distribution within Nepal or destined for transit to another country.
What Charges Does the Suspect Face?
The Brazilian man will face charges under Nepal’s Narcotic Drugs Control Act. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
He is currently in police custody while further investigations and legal procedures are underway.
How Are Authorities Responding to Drug Smuggling at TIA?
Nepal Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau are tightening surveillance at TIA to curb international drug trafficking.
Recent upgrades to scanning technology and passenger profiling systems have led to an increase in drug-related arrests at the airport.
