The ITBP in Ladakh has seized 108 gold bars weighing more than 108 kgs smuggled from China and arrested two persons in this connection.
Chinese food items and other material has also been recovered from the arrested persons who have been identified as Tenzin Targy, Age-40 Yrs and Tsering Chamba, Age-69 Yrs.
An ITBP spokesman said that 0n 9th July, 2024 at around 01:30/02:00 PM 21st Battalion, ITBP launched a Long Range Patrolling (LRP) in the border areas in Southern Sub Sector in Eastern Ladakh of (in general area Chismule, Narbula top, Zakle and Zakla) to check infiltration as well smuggling as this is summer and activities are heightened around this season also some inputs of smuggling was received in the area near Sirigaple, Ladakh.
Team headed by Deepak Bhatt, DC/GD consisting of 03- SOs and 17- ORs. While reaching the area of Sirigaple 01 km away from IB around at 1320 hrs, the party come across 02 suspicious persons with mules. Patrol party chased them down and took them to camping area of the suspects. Initially they told that they are collecting medicinal plants but later patrol party found huge quantity of Gold and other items.
Patrol party took custody of both the suspects and seized items and left for Tactical HQRS Koyul and reported matter toAjay Nirmalkar, Comdt 21 Battalion, ITBP on satellite phone who directed them for further prewrapped and safe custody of precious metal and suspects. Matter reported to higher headquarters and further investigation and action is in progress in coordination with sister organizations. This patrol was planned by SHQ Srinagar, ITBP with the approval of HQ NW Ftr, ITBP along with several other patrol simultaneously launched in general area.
Name of seized Items: Gold-International Gold Bars 108 Nos. Weighing-108.060 Kgs. (Weighed on Electronic Weighing Machine by ITBP at Koyul.), 2 mobiles, Binocular-01, Chinese Food Items- (i)Fragrant Cake-01 Pkt, (ii) Lao Beijing-01 Pkt. (iii) Milk-02 Cane (iv)Milk Lassi-02 Pkt; Knives-02, ponies-02, Wonder Torch-01, Hammer-01 and Nose Plier -01.
ITBP spokesman said that all the formalities were followed. It may be mentioned that the ITBP is also authorised to carry out search and seizures by MHA, GOI and also incorporated in ITBP Act to exercise the powers of Customs on the border to have a check on smuggling activities. Joint interrogation of the suspects will be carried out by Civil Police, IB, SB, Customs and ITBP. The seizure along with the suspects have been handed over to Custom deptt officers for further questioning and needful action as enshrined in the law.
