OAG appeals to High Court against Chhukha District Court’s verdict

Changa Dorji, Thimphu
Sep 20, 2016

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) appealed to the High Court against Chhukha District Court’s verdict on the recent gold smuggling case, today.

OAG said the Lower Court changed the charges. Instead of “smuggling”, the district court had altered it to “carrying and receiving of smuggled good”.

OAG said transporting more than 50 gram of gold from other countries to Bhutan is considered smuggling as per the country’s law. A person would require an import license and a permit from Royal Monetary Authority if they are carrying more than 50 gram of gold.

The accused had drawn an illegal agreement and formed a chain to transport the gold biscuits from China to Phuentshogling by crossing Chinese border, OAG said.

On September 7, the Chhukha District Court had sentenced four men ranging from 15 months to two and a half year for receiving smuggled goods, aiding and abetting, and criminal conspiracy.

The four were arrested from Tsimasham in Chhukha in November, last year. They were found in possession of seven gold biscuits weighing a kilogram each.

OAG had forwarded the case to Chhukha District in January, this year.