KATHMANDU, Jan 16:  Armed Police Force (APF) personnel have been deployed in the customs area of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

Earlier, security guards of private security companies were placed in the customs area of the TIA. As many as 18 employees of Star Security were engaged in customs checking. They were paid a monthly salary of Rs 16,100.

With the recommendation of the TIA Customs Office and the approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, APF personnel have been deployed in the customs area of the airport since Monday. The armed forces were deployed after the illegal smuggling of gold increased. At present, 30 APF personnel have been mobilized under the command of an Inspector. They will work under the supervision of the customs staff.

"Now the armed police are monitoring customs checking at TIA," said Tokraj Pandey, head of the customs office. Voices were being raised saying there was a problem when only civil employees were involved in customs checking. The smugglers would easily lure the customs officials into smuggling. It is expected that after having one more authorized body, the problem of smuggling will be reduced.

 
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