Tobacco products worth about Nu.200,000 was seized from the passengers and travelers alike, in a surprise check at Damchu, in Phuentsholing-Thimphu Highway. Tobacco products were found in most of the vehicles plying from Phuentsholing to Thimphu.
A total of Nu.154,500 collected as penalty.
The surprise check was conducted by Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency (BNCA) team along with Law Enforcement officials from the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), Customs, and RSTA.
The inspection team was assisted by two canine sniffer dogs from the RBP to detect narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and tobacco products.
A release from BNCA said, although trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were not evident, wide spread cases of tobacco products possession were detected.
The release also said the inspection was carried out to determine the compliance of Tobacco Control Act 2010 and to create public awareness in illicit trafficking of such controlled substances.
Such inspection would be carried out in other places in future, states the release.
