Ladakh, July 10 : Probably for the first time in its history, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has seized over 108 gold bars weighing over 108 kilograms.
The smuggled gold was seized from the possession of two suspects in Ladakh Sector.
An official from ITBP confirmed to the news agency Kashmir News Trust that this is the biggest catch from ITBP in its rich history. He said both the suspects after questioning would be handed over to the Customs Department.
About the operation, ITBP officers earlier divulged information in a press conference in Leh.
ITBP said that during patrolling in the areas of Sub-Sector Ladakh, two suspects were spotted in the Cerigaplay area who after questioning claimed that they were collecting medicinal plants.
“Since it is summer-time and the chances of infiltration and smuggling are always high, we searched their tent and found 108 bars of gold. A binocular, some knives, Chinese food, two ponies, and two cell phones were also seized from their possession,” the official said adding that both the accused were arrested and questioned, and on their revelation, one more suspected person was taken into custody.
He identified the two main accused as Tenzing Targe (40) and Chering Chamba (69), both residents of Hanley village of Ladakh.
The operation as per the official was launched by the 21st battalion of ITBP with the active support of Ladakh and Srinagar Sector.
The official added that the suspected persons tried to dodge and their attempt to flee from the spot was foiled by the patrolling party.
“The gold has been smuggled. We are in touch with Ladakh Police and will hand over the suspects to Customs Department,” the official said. [KNT]
