ITBP seizes 108 kgs of gold near eastern Ladakh

Kargil, July 10: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have seized 108 kgs of gold worth several crores of rupees in eastern Ladakh and arrested two persons in this regard.

Inspector General ITBP North West Frontier Clay Khongsi while briefing media persons in Leh on Wednesday said that the North West Frontier battalion of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) arrested two persons in Southern Sub Sector in Eastern Ladakh and seized 108.060 kg of Gold and Chinese food items on July 09, 2024.

“On 9th July 2024 at around 1:30 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, adding that the patrolling team was headed by Deepak Bhatt, Deputy Commandant 21BN which was conducted after inputs received in the area near Sirigaple, Ladakh” the senior official said. Two suspects, identified as Tsering Chinba and Stanzin Dorgyal from Koyul, Nyoma, were intercepted by the 21st Battalion of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in the general area of Zursar, near PP 54, said the senior official.

Initially claiming to be collecting medicinal plants, the individuals raised suspicion among the patrolling team. Upon further investigation at their camping site, the patrol discovered a significant quantity of gold bars and other items concealed with them. The seized items include 108 international gold bars weighing a total of 108.060 kilograms, as weighed on an electronic weighing machine at Koyul by ITBP personnel. Additionally, the patrol recovered two mobile phones, a binocular, Chinese food items, knives, ponies, a torch, a hammer, and other miscellaneous tools, the official said. Both suspects were taken into custody, and the seized items were secured under the directives of Ajay Nirmalkar, Commandant of the 21st Battalion, ITBP. The matter has been reported to higher authorities for further investigation and coordination with relevant agencies.

“It is noteworthy that ITBP, authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and empowered under the ITBP Act, exercises customs powers on the border to combat smuggling activities,” stated a spokesperson. The suspects and seized items have been handed over to Customs Department officials for detailed interrogation and further legal action.