Indian Man Arrested at Kathmandu Airport with Over 6kg of Heroin

An Indian Man Arrested at Kathmandu Airport with Over 6kg of Heroin, Rakesh Wahab aged 65, was apprehended at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport on July 5, 2025. According to Nepal Police, Wahab was intercepted by anti-narcotics officials during a routine security check, raising suspicions that led to a thorough investigation. The heroin was cleverly concealed in his luggage, packaged in multiple layers to evade detection. Forensic analysis later confirmed the substance as high grade heroin, likely originating from Afghanistan.

This arrest sheds light on a growing regional trend Nepal’s increasing role as a transit point for international drug trafficking. Intelligence reports and past seizures suggest that Afghan heroin is smuggled into Nepal and then transported into India. From there, it often finds its way to markets in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Nepal porous border with India and improving international flight connectivity have made it an attractive route for traffickers.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Nepal Police have both acknowledged the country vulnerability due to limited surveillance infrastructure and under resourced customs posts. Recent years have seen a rise in foreign nationals arrested for drug smuggling at Nepal international airport, particularly from countries such as Nigeria and India.

Nepalese authorities have intensified their crackdown on cross border narcotics trafficking. The Narcotics Control Bureau NCB of Nepal Police has increased the deployment of trained sniffer dogs, body scanners, and plainclothes officers at airports and major checkpoints. In collaboration with international agencies like INTERPOL and the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), Nepal is also receiving support in intelligence sharing and technical capacity building.

Police officials say the seizure of 6.5 kg of heroin in a single case is among the largest in recent months and could be linked to a broader drug smuggling network. Investigations are ongoing to trace Wahab contacts, possible accomplices, and the intended destination of the heroin.

The arrest of Rakesh Wahab is a significant development in Nepal fight against transnational drug trafficking. It not only highlights the country’s evolving position in the global narcotics trade but also reflects law enforcement growing vigilance. With organized crime syndicates exploiting weak transit points across South Asia, Nepal’s proactive enforcement and international cooperation will be crucial in stemming the tide of illicit drug movement through its territory.