Kathmandu, July 21:

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha has reached the customs office at Tribhuvan International Airport.  

Punyavikram Khadka, director and information officer of the customs department, informed that the home minister reached the customs office, airport on Friday to inquire about the incident of about one quintal of gold being taken out of the airport on Wednesday night.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha has said that action will be taken against anyone who illegally imports gold through the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office. He gave this warning after monitoring the immigration department and customs office of the airport on Friday morning. 

When media persons inquired about the collusion of Balkot, Baluwatar and Budhanilkantha in gold smuggling, Minister Shrestha replied  that he does not look at any coat or party in corruption and crime investigation.

He also announced a new plan to ensure that criminal activities such as illegal gold trading are not repeated in the future.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha mentioned that the Customs Department has formed a committee to investigate the gold case and also informed that he has given instructions to the relevant agencies to assist in the investigation.

According to Information Officer Khadka, along with the Home Minister, the Chief of Nepal Police, Chief of National Investigation Department, Chief of Revenue Investigation Department and Chief of Immigration Office have also reached the Customs Office.

Meanwhile, the customs department has suspended three employees of the airport customs office. Information officer Khadka informed that customs officers, buyers and customs agents were suspended on Friday.