Nepalgunj: Nineteen bags of the medicinal herb “Jhyau” which is banned from export was seized recently at Jayaspur VDC of Banke district while it was being taken to India, it is learnt from the Banke district administration office.

In the clash that took place between smugglers and police on the occasion from 9 to 9.30 p.m., there was an exchange of fire, but no one was injured.

According to the information received, people from the district administration office and the district forest office went to Jayaspur VDC on a tip-off, but nothing was found.

A gang of 150 to 200 smugglers had succeeded in running away leaving behind the bags containing the medicinal herb. No arrest was made.

Chief district officer Shyam Prasad Mainali has said he is committed to preventing smuggling in the district.

Meanwhile, journalists and representatives of various political parties, speaking at a programme organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Banke district committee, said smuggling is on the rise in the district and only the police and administration can bring it under control.

The value of the seized medicinal herb is only Rs 6,000 at the rate of Rs 10 per kilogramme. But export has been banned, according to ranger at the district forest office Amar Shaha.