In a joint operation, the Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) and Nepal Police seized a massive quantity of illegal electronic cigarettes (vapes) smuggled into Nepal. According to department sources, nearly 120,000 vapes have been confiscated over the past two weeks.

The vapes were primarily smuggled from China via the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani checkpoints, with some reportedly entering through the Korala checkpoint this time. Despite legal provisions allowing vape imports with customs duties, smuggling has persisted.

A week ago, authorities raided a warehouse in Imadol, Mahalaxmi Municipality, Lalitpur, recovering 86,000 vapes. Further operations led to the seizure of 19,000 vapes in 95 cartons from Mustang, 15,000 from Pathlaiya, and 4,000 from Butwal.

On January 3, police seized a vehicle near Jomsom’s Annapurna Conservation Area checkpoint in Gharapjhong Rural Municipality-4, Mustang, carrying vapes smuggled through the Korala checkpoint. Both the vehicle and the driver were handed over to the Department of Revenue Investigation for further action.

The raid on the Imadol warehouse was based on information obtained during the Mustang investigation. The total market value of the seized vapes is estimated to exceed Rs250 million. The vapes, available in various flavours, are priced between Rs1,500 and Rs25,000 per unit, with a single vape capable of producing up to 30,000 puffs.

India remains the primary market for these vapes, with many confiscations occurring near Nepal’s southern borders during attempts to smuggle them across.

Three individuals—two from Imadol and one from Mustang—have been arrested in connection with the operation. Officials are interrogating them to identify the mastermind behind the smuggling and the network involved, with further investigations ongoing.