January 17: The government has deployed a contingent of 30 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel, under the command of an inspector, at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to oversee customs checking.    
The Armed Police Force (APF) was mobilized in customs affairs to ensure effective customs checks and to enhance security, said Dr Tokraj Pandey, the chief customs administrator of TIA.    
"The decision to involve the APF in customs checks was taken in response to a finance ministerial-level request and a decision from the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. The APF personnel are working in five shifts on a daily basis to conduct customs checks at the airport," he added.    
The move to seek direct supervision and involvement of the APF in customs duties is expected to improve airport security and facilitate more effective service delivery. -- RSS