Leh, July 10: The North West Frontier battalion of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) arrested two Indian Nationals in Southern Sub Sector in Eastern Ladakh and seized 108.060 kg of Gold and Chinese food items at around 1:30 pm on July 09, 2024, stated the officials of ITBP North West Frontier.

The battalion stated that on 9th July 2024 at around 01:30/02:00 PM 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.

The patrolling team was headed by Sh. Deepak Bhatt, DC/GD consisting of 03- SOS and 17- ORs which was conducted after inputs received in the area near Sirigaple, Ladakh.

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While reaching the area of Sirigaple 01 km away from IB around 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 the suspects said that they are collecting medicinal plants but later patrol party found huge quantity of Gold and other items. Patrol party took custody of both the suspects and seized items and left for Tactical HQRS Koyul and reported Sh. Ajay Nirmalkar, Comdt 21 Battalion, ITBP on satellite phone who directed them for further prewrapped and safe custody of precious metal and suspects.

The matter was reported to higher headquarters and further investigation and action is in progress in coordination with sister organizations. 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.
The suspects are identified as Tenzin Targy, Age-40 Years, son of Shafel Wangdur and Tsering Chamba, Age-69 Years appx, son of Norbu Dorjee.

Among the items seized are International Gold Bars 108 Nos. Weighing-108.060 Kgs. (Weighed on Electronic Weighing Machine by ITBP at Koyul, two mobile phones, one binocular and Chinese Food Items including one packet of Fragrant Cake, one packet of Lao Beijing two milk Cane, two packets of Milk Lassi, two knives, two ponies, one Wonder Torch, one hammer and one Nose Plier.

It is pertinent to mention that the ITBP is also authorized 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. The seizure along with the suspects have been handed over to Custom Department officers for further questioning and needful action as enshrined in the law.