The Narcotics Control Bureau of Nepal Police arrested at least seven foreign nationals from the Thamel area with heroin worth millions on June 13 and 14.

The arrestees have been identified as Sibisi Thandekile, 29, passport number (A09824570), Muriel Qedukwazi, 46, passport number (A06376981), Tshabalala Khanyisile Yvonne, 39 passport number (A05885702), Rosinah Nonqele Jantjie, 36, passport number (A09820521), Mahlako Maureen Mathiba, 29 passport number (A09832686), Moroesi Suzan Kofu, 37 passport number (A09252146) and Marlese Badenhorst, 30, passport number (A09186034).

According to Superintendent Jivan Kumar Shrestha of Narcotics Control Bureau, a total of 51 kg of heroin was confiscated from the arrestees, all of whom were from South Africa.

“We had increased vigilance on tourists, especially from South African countries. Tourists from these countries were arrested many times with such drugs in the past too,” said Shrestha. “We were following the modus operandi of criminals and were tracking suspected tourists as well. We then conducted raids in different hotels in Thamel and arrested them.”

The arrestees had arrived in Kathmandu from Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways flights on different dates.

According to the bureau, the illegal market value of the seized drug is about Rs1.2 billion.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the women were using Nepal as a transit point; however, we are yet to verify where the drugs were being taken,” said Shrestha. “The women used to smuggle drugs by hiding them in their suitcases. Later they would deliver the drugs along with the suitcase.”

The bureau has filed a case against the arrested in line with the Narcotics Control Act by obtaining a remand of seven days from the Kathmandu District Court for investigation.