Kathmandu, Jan. 25 -- The Department of Customs says it will put up thousands of bottles of liquor seized at the Tribhuvan International Airport for an auction, but what it won't say is: when. Nor does it say how it decides the time of auction.

A new customs rule that went into effect following the fiscal budget in May last year allows a single passenger no more than one litre of the alcoholic beverage. But a strict enforcement of the rule started only from January 1.

As the department continues to collect dozens of bottles every day from passengers-most of whom are returning migrant workers from the Gulf countries-questions now are being asked as to where do these confiscated liquor go.

Customs officials reiterate the products will be...