ITBP Seizes 108 kg Smuggled Gold Near India-China Border, Arrests Three

In a remarkable operation near the India-China border, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) seized 108 kilograms of smuggled gold and arrested three individuals. This seizure, the largest ever by the ITBP, highlights the ongoing issue of smuggling along the sensitive border region.

The operation unfolded when the 21st battalion of the ITBP launched a long-range patrol in the Changthang sub-sector of eastern Ladakh. The patrol, led by Deputy Commandant Deepak Bhat, was part of a broader effort to combat increased smuggling activities during the summer months. The patrol included areas such as Chizbule, Narbula, Zangle, and Zakla, and was prompted by intelligence suggesting heightened smuggling attempts.

During the patrol, the ITBP team spotted two individuals on mules near Sriraple, just one kilometer from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). When the officers attempted to stop them, the individuals tried to flee but were quickly apprehended after a brief chase. Upon searching their belongings, the officers discovered 108 gold bars, each weighing one kilogram, along with two mobile phones, a binocular, two knives, and various Chinese food items like cakes and milk.

The arrested individuals, identified as Tsering Chamba (40) and Stanzin Dorgyal, both from Ladakh's Nyoma area, initially claimed to be medicinal plant dealers. However, the significant quantity of gold found in their possession told a different story. A third individual was also arrested in connection with the smuggling operation, and all three are currently being interrogated by the ITBP and local police.

The value of the seized gold is estimated to be between Rs 80-90 crore, marking it as a substantial blow to smuggling operations in the region. "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's vigilance along the 3,488-kilometer-long India-China LAC is crucial in preventing such illegal activities. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by the border guarding force to maintain security and thwart smuggling attempts in one of the most challenging and strategically important regions of India.

The success of this operation reflects the dedication and effectiveness of the ITBP in safeguarding the nation's borders and curbing illegal activities that threaten national security.