Two held with 108-kg smuggled gold in Ladakh
Jul 10, 2024
LEH: In a major success, two individuals have been apprehended in the Nyoma sector of Leh district of Ladakh for smuggling a large quantity of gold from China.
The 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 an official.
He said the operation, which took place on July 9th, 2024, was part of a Long Range Patrolling (LRP) initiative launched to monitor border areas in the Southern Sub Sector of Eastern Ladakh.
According to reports, the ITBP patrol, led by Deepak Bhatt, Deputy Commandant/General Duty, encountered the suspects with mules approximately 1 km from the International Border at around 1:20 PM.
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.
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.
