For the first time, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has seized the largest-ever cache of gold near the India-China border from a gold smuggler.
ITBP confiscated a total of 108 bars, each weighing one kilogram, near the border. Additionally, three individuals have been arrested, and weapons were recovered from the accused.
The approximate value of the seized gold is more than ₹80 crores.
Officials stated, "This is the largest-ever seizure of gold made by the ITBP in its history. The confiscated goods will be handed over to the Customs Department."
They further revealed that along with a substantial amount of seized gold, the confiscated items include two mobile phones, a binocular, two knives, and several Chinese food items such as cakes and milk.
At present, the market value of gold is ₹74,490 per 10 grams, making the total value of the 108 kilograms of seized gold approximately ₹80,44,92,000.
Officials mentioned that personnel from ITBP's 21st Battalion initiated extensive patrolling in the Changthang sub-sector of Eastern Ladakh, to prevent smuggling activities, which typically increase during the summer months.
They further detailed that ITBP received information about smuggling activities approximately 1 kilometre away from the Line of Actual Control in Sriraple.
Deputy Commandant Deepak Bhat led a team that conducted a patrol and spotted two individuals riding on mules.
The team instructed them to halt, but the smugglers attempted to flee. After a pursuit by security forces, the individuals were apprehended.
Security forces reported that initially the suspects claimed to be dealers of medicinal plants, but upon searching their belongings, a substantial amount of gold and other items were recovered.
The identified smugglers are Tsering Chamba (40) and Stanzin Dorgyal, residents of the Nyoma area in Ladakh.
In connection with the seizure, one more individual was arrested, and ITBP and police are conducting joint interrogations with all three detainees.
