Investigation started in the case of tomatoes being smuggled from Nepal to India

Maharajganj (IANS). Investigation of tomatoes being smuggled from Nepal to India has been started. Earlier, Customs officials had intercepted three tonnes of tomatoes being smuggled from Nepal to India near Nautanwa area of Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh with the help of a joint team of Police and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Commissioner of Customs, Lucknow, Aarti Saxena told reporters that six officers of the department posted in the border area have been attached to the headquarters.

According to reports, after being seized on July 7, the consignment, valued at around Rs 4.8 lakh, was handed over to the customs officials for destruction.

As per rules, the seized perishable items should be destroyed within 24 hours.

However, it is alleged that the tomatoes were released by the customs officials, but were once again intercepted by the police.

Later, the custom officers of Lucknow headquarters were informed about this.

An SSB official said that as per standard practice, goods which are not manufactured or prepared in Nepal are not allowed into India.

He said, “Earlier we used to catch a lot of Chinese apples.”

In case of perishable goods, duty has to be paid and certified copy of the same has to be presented for such goods to enter India, the official said.

Nichlaul station in-charge Anand Kumar Gupta said, “We can seize items like jewellery, foreign currency, electronic goods if they are bought without paying duty.” He said cigarettes and liquor are seized under the NDPS Act. Is. Traders and residents living in border areas move across the border to buy items of daily need.

However, the district authorities limit the quantity of commercial items to a maximum of Rs 25,000.

Tomato is being sold at Rs 160 per kg in Uttar Pradesh, while in Nepal its price is around Rs 100 to 110 Nepali rupees, which is equivalent to Rs 62-69 in India.