In a significant operation, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) seized 108 kilograms of smuggled gold near the China border in Ladakh. This is the largest consignment of gold intercepted in recent years along the Indo-China border.
The smuggled gold, valued at approximately Rs 70 crore, led to the arrest of two individuals, Tenzing Targe and Shering Chamba. In addition to the gold, the ITBP recovered mobile phones, knives, and other smuggling equipment from the suspects.
The operation was launched by the 21st battalion of the ITBP, following an intelligence tip-off. Troops conducted the operation at an altitude of 18,000 feet in the Changthang sub-sector of eastern Ladakh, aiming to curb the infiltration of smugglers.
ITBP personnel spotted two individuals on mules in Sriraple, located one kilometer from the Line of Actual Control. When the suspects were asked to halt, they attempted to flee but were apprehended after a brief chase. The suspects claimed to be medicinal plant dealers, but a search of their belongings revealed the substantial quantity of gold.
“This is the biggest haul of gold recovered by the ITBP during border operations. The seized material will be handed over to the customs department,” said Ajay Nirmalkar, Commandant of the 21st ITBP battalion.
The ITBP is responsible for guarding the 3,488 km long India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) along India’s eastern frontier.
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