KATHMANDU: On Tuesday night, police apprehended an individual attempting to transport 250 kg of marijuana to India. The illicit substance was discovered in a pick-up van (Pra 1-02-02 Cha 6331) also laden with raw bananas. The interception occurred on ICP Road in Biratnagar Municipal City-17.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Nabaraj Karki, leading the District Police Office in Morang, reported that the marijuana was cleverly concealed beneath the load of bananas in a sack. Acting on intelligence suggesting the unloading of bananas and marijuana in the Nepal-India border area, police swiftly mobilized.

The driver, identified as Diwas Rai, 18, from Shahid Bhumi Rural Municipality-3 in Dhankuta, was promptly arrested, and the vehicle seized. Rai is slated to face charges under the Narcotic Drug (Control) Act for his involvement in the smuggling attempt.