In the biggest ever anti-smuggling operation by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the agency unearthed an Indo-Sino smuggling operation and seized a massive quantity of gold. ITBP jawans busted the smugglers’ gang and seized over 108 kg of gold smuggled from China near Sirigaple, Ladakh.

According to the ITBP officials, the agency received a specific tip-off, based on which jawans of the 21st Battalion launched a Long Range Patrolling (LRP) operation along the border areas in the Southern sub-sector in Eastern Ladakh on Tuesday, July 9. The patrol was conducted in the general area of Chismule, Narbula Top, Zakle, and Zakla to check infiltration as well as smuggling. Such illegal activities try to pick up pace around this season. ITBP had received credible inputs of smuggling in the area near Sirigaple, Ladakh.

A team headed by Deputy Commandant Deepak Bhatt came across two suspicious persons with mules in Sirigaple, about one kilometre from the international border around 1:30 PM. The patrol party accosted them and took them to the camping area of the suspects. Initially, they claimed that they were collecting medicinal plants. But on conducting a search, the ITBP team found a huge quantity of gold and other contraband. Both the suspects were taken in custody and seized their belongings were seized. 

During the operation, ITBP jawans seized 108 gold bars weighing 1 kg each, two mobiles, one binocular, Chinese food items, knives, hammers, pliers, and torches. The two mules used in the smuggling of the gold have also been seized. They were then taken to the tactical headquarters in Koyul, Leh, and reported the matter to higher officials via a satellite phone. The ITBP is authorised to carry out search and seizures by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Arrested Smugglers Were Indian Citizens

The arrested suspects were identified as Indian nationals — Tenzin Targy (40) and Tsering Chamba (69). The suspects, during interrogation, revealed details of the smuggling network, leading to the arrest of one more gang member.

The seized contraband and the suspects were handed over to Customs officers for further investigation.