Two arrested in Ladakh for smuggling 108kg of gold from China, say officials

Ladakh: Two people have been arrested in the Nyoma sector of Leh, Ladakh, for smuggling 108 kilograms of gold from China, reports said quoting officials.

The suspects, Tsering Chinba and Stanzin Dorgyal from Koyul, Nyoma, were apprehended by the 21st Battalion of the ITBP near PP 54 with the gold, which was found during a patrol based on smuggling intelligence.

On July 9, 2024, the ITBP launched a long-range patrol in the southern sub-sector of eastern Ladakh to check for infiltration and smuggling activities.

The patrol, led by Deepak Bhatt, encountered the suspects about 1 km from the international border.

Initially claiming to be collecting medicinal plants, the suspects were found with a large quantity of gold and other items.

The seized items included 108 international gold bars weighing 108.06 kg, mobile phones, binoculars, Chinese food items, knives, ponies, a torch, a hammer, and pliers. The suspects were taken into custody, and the matter was reported to higher authorities.

The suspects and the seized items were handed over to customs officials for further investigation.

The ITBP, authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to conduct search and seizure operations, is coordinating with other agencies for a joint interrogation of the suspects.