In a significant bust, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) seized 108 gold bars, each weighing one kilogram, near the Indo-China border in eastern Ladakh on Wednesday. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt.
The seized gold, valued at a substantial amount, is the largest haul recovered by ITBP in its history.
The ITBP troops launched a long-range patrolling operation in the Changthang sub-sector on Tuesday, acting on intelligence inputs suggesting heightened smuggling activity in the area. The patrolling party intercepted two individuals on mules, who attempted to flee but were apprehended after a chase. Initially, they claimed to be medicinal plant dealers, but a search of their belongings revealed the contraband gold, along with other items such as mobile phones, binoculars, knives, and Chinese food products.
The arrested smugglers, identified as Tsering Chamba and Stanzin Dorgyal, both residents of Ladakh's Nyoma area, are being jointly interrogated by ITBP and police officials. A third person has also been arrested in connection with the recovery.
The seized gold and other items will be handed over to the customs department for further investigation.
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