ITBP has recovered 120 KG gold from 02 smugglers on the China-Ladakh border (LAC), they were coming from China with gold.
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 Sh. Deepak Bhatt, DC/GD consisting of 03- SOs and 17- ORs while reaching the area of Sirigaple 01 km away from IB ground 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, reads the statement.
Patrol party took custody of both the suspects and seized items and left for Tactical HQRS Koyul and reported matter to Sh. Ajay Nirmalkar, Comdr 21 Battalion, ITBP on satellite phone who directed them for further pre-wrapped and safe custody of precious metal and suspects, reads the statement.
Matter reported to higher headquarters and further investigation and action is in progress in coordination with sister organisations. 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, reads the statement.
The number of items recovered Gold-International Gold Bars 108 Nos, Weighing-108.060 Kgs, Mobiles -02, Binocular-01, Chinese Food Items- (i)Fragrant Cake-01 Pkt, Lao Beijing-01 Pkt, Milk-02 Cane, Milk Lassi-02 Pkt, Knives-02, Ponies-02, Torch-Wonder Torch-01, Hammer-01, Nose Plier -01, No of Persons, Arrested/Intercepted- 02 Indian National.
They have been identified as Tenzin Targy, Age-40 Yrs son of Shafel Wangdur, and Tsering Chamba (69) son of Norbu Dorjee. 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, official said 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 reads the statement.