One of the four Uzbek nationals recently arrested with about four kilograms of gold had visited Nepal 11 times, according to preliminary police investigations. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Sardar Tursunov, has been found to have multiple connections in Nepal, prompting further investigation, police said.
According to immigration sources, Tursunov had entered Nepal on 11 previous occasions. This time, he reportedly used three Uzbek women to smuggle gold. The arrested women—49-year-old Saodat Faiziva Israilovna, 48-year-old Umida Akhmedov Ghulamovna, and 54-year-old Dilfuza Marifalib Akhmadjanovna—claimed in their statements to police that the gold did not belong to them and that they were merely following Tursunov’s instructions. Sources indicate they were lured by financial incentives and the opportunity to visit Nepal.
Tursunov escorted the women to Kathmandu, and upon arrival via FlyDubai flight FZ 575, they proceeded directly to the immigration arrival hall. After obtaining immigration clearance, they were directed to the security screening area where police conduct thorough checks on luggage, shoes, and bodies of passengers. They passed through security checks without suspicion and were allowed to exit.
However, as they reached the terminal gate, authorities noticed suspicious behavior and took them into custody. Further investigation led to the discovery of the concealed gold. It remains unclear whether security personnel had any prior indication of the gold or if it was an oversight.
Sources said that after passing through security, the suspects proceeded to collect their luggage. Customs officials also conducted checks but found nothing. However, as the group was about to leave the airport, their unusual behavior raised further suspicion, leading to their arrest.
Upon conducting a body search, police recovered 3.745 kg of gold concealed in their rectums. The gold had been melted and shaped into small round pellets, which were then smuggled from Dubai to Kathmandu. A total of 24 such pellets were found on the four suspects. Authorities suspect that the gold was intended for a third country, using India as a transit point. SSP Somendra Singh Rathore of the Airport Security Office confirmed the seizure, stating, “We are investigating the case further. The suspects have been handed over to the Customs Office for further legal action.”
Following repeated gold seizures at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the government had assigned security responsibilities at customs to the Armed Police Force (APF). However, this large-scale smuggling attempt has once again raised questions about the effectiveness of airport security measures.
