The important customs of the northern and southern border have been transferred to the heads of Tatopani and Mechi respectively in nine months. Unless there are special circumstances, it is mentioned in the civil service regulations that the head of the office of the deputy secretary level should be transferred only after completing two years' tenure.

But the reason for transferring the customs chiefs connected with revenue collection within nine months has not been mentioned . Kamal Kumar Bhattarai, Chief Customs Officer of Tatopani returned to Kathmandu on Wednesday after being informed of the transfer.

He has been transferred to the Customs Department. Mechi Customs Chief Rajendra Chundal has been sent in his place. Harihar Poudel has been sent from the customs department in Mechi. Director General of Customs Department Mahesh Bhattarai confirmed their transfer.

Kamal and Rajendra were transferred last August. Two months after the government was formed under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli, both of them were transferred to Tatopani and Mechi last August.

Tatopani Naka has recently been in controversy regarding the import of electronic cigarettes (Vape). On Tuesday, four people were arrested on charges of stealing 36 cartons of vape stored in the customs warehouse. 

Even though it did not pass the inspection, the vape brought in last March was kept under customs surveillance. Mechi and Biratnagar Customs sometimes have disputes over the import/export of betel nut, banana etc. .