Sherpa, holding passport 07972057, was returning from Hong Kong by Nepal Airlines RA 410 flight after attending a meeting of Hong Kong Basketball Association. "During security screening, we noticed the bracelet was unusually heavy, so he was arrested for further investigation," DIG Bijaya Lal Kayastha, Chief of Metropolitan Police.
During investigation, police found that the golden bracelet was of compact size so that it would not attract attention, police said. "He also did not have customs clearance paper for the gold. Police on Sunday handed him over to the customs department for necessary action.
Sherpa is the president of Nepal Basketball Association, deputy general secretary of Nepal Olympic Committee and also vice president of UML's sports wing -- Nepal Confederation of Sports.
Holding a press conference in the capital soon after his release, Lama said he was innocent and was not involved in alleged smuggling of gold. "I was not aware that customs clearance was required for jewelries one is wearing. This was my mistake," he said, adding, "I am not a gold smuggler. I am fond of gold jewelries so I had bought 6 tolas gold in Hong Kong before heading for Kathmandu," he added.
One does not have to clear customs for up to 50 grams of gold jewelry while travelling by air.
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