Mustang: Authorities have released 775 BYD electric vehicles that had been detained in Mustang for nearly two weeks after a government investigation found no irregularities in their import and customs clearance process.

The vehicles imported from China by Simon Inc., entered Nepal through the Korala border crossing on June 4. Of the total, 649 vehicles had already completed customs clearance through the Mustang Customs Office in Nechung.

The Armed Police Force (APF) had taken the vehicles under control following concerns over possible irregularities in customs procedures. The vehicles were held at various locations including Hemja in Kaski, Kushma in Parbat, Jomsom and the Korala border point.

In response, the Ministry of Finance formed a three member investigation committee led by Bhupal Raj Shakya, Director of the Valuation Division under the Customs Department’s Policy and Operations Directorate.

The committee conducted field inspections in Kaski, Parbat, Jomsom and the Korala border area before submitting preliminary findings. The investigation concluded that no discrepancies were found in the import process of the electric vehicles brought through the Korala checkpoint.

Following directions from APF headquarters, all detained vehicles were released from Sunday evening.

According to APF Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhesh Raj Giri of the APF’s No. 33 Battalion in Jomsom, the vehicles had remained under APF control while authorities examined possible customs-related concerns.

“With no irregularities found, the vehicles have now been released and are being transported to their destinations,” Giri said.

Of the 266 vehicles stored at the Jomsom Bus Park, 223 had already departed by Sunday and Monday while 43 remained at the site awaiting transportation.

The APF stated that vehicles still stationed at the Korala border that have completed customs clearance will be moved gradually, while those awaiting customs procedures will be allowed to proceed once the required formalities are completed.

The release of the vehicles clears the way for one of the largest recent shipments of electric vehicles entering Nepal through the northern border route.