High-level Probe Commission recommends tightening security measures

KATHMANDU, March 20: It is suspected that gold is smuggled through helicopter rescue flights from around the northern border crossing with China.

The High-Level Probe Commission, led by former judge Dilliraj Acharya, which was formed to investigate gold smuggling, has stated in its report that gold is being smuggled even via helicopters used for rescue operations. A member of the commission mentioned that although they have received indications, they lack specific details regarding the dates and times of such incidents.

The High-Level Probe Commission has communicated to the Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal, suggesting that a thorough investigation should be conducted into certain matters. In its report, the High-Level Probe Commission highlighted receiving information about gold smuggling via helicopters and emphasized the need for necessary measures to curb such activities.

"We have suggested that the helicopters involved in rescuing patients should also be kept under surveillance. We received information that gold was found in the helicopter that had gone to pick up a postpartum woman," he added, "For this, we have said that the rescue helicopter should be landed only at designated sites and CCTV should be installed there."

Furthermore, the commission has suggested that helicopter service providers should operate only after registering details with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Sources say that the Commission has also studied the details of the helicopter service.