KATHMANDU: Nepal police have arrested nine Indian nationals in Kathmandu with undeclared gold and silver valued at over Rs 20 million (approx. USD 150,000).

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team from the District Police Office Range, Kathmandu and the Police Circle, Boudha, raided multiple refining and tunch centers in the Kalimati area on April 15. The operation led to the seizure of 1 kilogram and 76.518 grams of gold and 1 kilogram and 845.429 grams of silver.

According to police, the estimated market value of the confiscated gold is Rs 17,010,060, while the silver is worth Rs 3,009,091. In addition to the precious metals, officers recovered Rs 827,500 in Nepali currency and INR 91,700 in cash from the suspects.

The arrested individuals, aged between 18 and 38, are all residents of the Indian state of Maharashtra. They were identified as Nava Nath Baku Kasid, 30; Sandip Popat Hajare, 20; Ansar Dilawar Sikalgar, 22; Suresh Rajesh Madane, 18; Arman Hanif Imandaya, 21; Manoj Subhash Sakat, 22; Amol Kumar Gosle, 38; Sunil Mitkari, 20; and Suraj Nandiwali, 20. Police say the group had been operating from various locations across the Kathmandu Valley.

Authorities believe the precious metals were being smuggled into Nepal and traded illegally through informal networks. The suspects, along with the seized items, have been handed over to the Department of Revenue Investigation at Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur, for further investigation.

Gold smuggling remains a persistent challenge for Nepali law enforcement, with criminal networks often exploiting porous borders and weak customs enforcement.