ITBP patrol uncovers major smuggling operation in Eastern Ladakh

LADAKH — A Long Range Patrolling (LRP) operation conducted by the 21st Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) uncovered a smuggling operation in the Southern Sub Sector of Eastern Ladakh on Wednesday.

The patrol, led by Deepak Bhatt, DC/GD and comprising three SOs and 17 ORs, aimed to prevent infiltration and smuggling activities in the areas of Chismule, Narbula Top, Zakle, and Zakla, following intelligence inputs indicating increased smuggling activities near Sirigaple, Ladakh, PRO ITBP informed the news agency KNO.

He said that at approximately 1:20 pm, about 1 km from the International Border, the patrol team encountered two suspicious individuals with mules. “The suspects were apprehended, and a thorough search revealed a substantial quantity of gold and other contraband items,” he said, adding, “Initially, the apprehended persons claimed they were collecting medicinal plants, but further investigation confirmed their involvement in smuggling.”

The seized items include 108 international gold bars weighing 108.060 kg, two mobile phones, a binocular, Chinese food items, a packet of fragrant cake, a packet of Lao Beijing, two cans of milk, two packets of Lassi milk, two knives, two ponies, a Wonder torch, a hammer and a nose plier.

The arrested persons have been identified as Tenzin Targy (40) and Tsering Chamba (69), the PRO said.

He said Commandant 21 Battalion, ITBP, Ajay Nirmalkar was informed of the incident via satellite phone and he directed the team to ensure the safe custody of the suspects and the seized items.

The matter has been reported to higher headquarters and further investigation is underway in coordination with sister organisations, the PRO said, adding that this patrol was part of a larger operation planned by SHQ Srinagar, ITBP, and approved by HQ NW Ftr, ITBP, involving several simultaneous patrols in the region.

The ITBP, authorised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI) to conduct searches and seizures, exercises customs powers at the border to curb smuggling activities. Joint interrogation of the suspects will be conducted by the Civil Police, IB, SB, Customs, and ITBP.

The seized items and suspects have been handed over to the Customs Department officers for further questioning and necessary legal action, the PRO ITBP said.