By Tenzin Nyidon
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has reportedly arrested two Tibetan men on July 9 for smuggling gold bricks in eastern Ladakh along the Indo-Tibet border. The ITBP discovered the men in possession of 108 gold bars, each weighing 1 kg, reports stated.
The suspects, identified as Tsering Chamba (69) and Tenzin Targy (40), are believed to be Tibetan refugees residing in Hanle, near the border. Along with the gold, authorities recovered binoculars, food items such as cake and milk, knives, mobile phones, and two ponies carrying the gold bricks. The men have been handed over to customs for further investigation. They will be interrogated to determine the origin of the gold, their smuggling network, and the duration of their operations, according to various sources.
Reports indicate that the gold bricks, valued at approximately Rs. 82 crore, originate from 17 different brands and are sourced from countries including Switzerland, Hong Kong, Dubai, and various European nations.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the executive head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), who is currently on an official visit to Ladakh, commented on the incident, “The recent ITBP arrest of gold smugglers from Hanle with 108 kg of gold smuggled from Tibet is unfortunate. Those arrested are Tibetans and have connections to Delhi and Dharamshala. The greed of a few Tibetans is tarnishing the image of Tibet.
“The governor and police head discussed this matter with me. This is embarrassing and shameful. I request all Tibetans engaging in illegal activities for quick financial gain to stop, as it will land you in prison. These few unlawful actions are undermining the hard work of countless Tibetans. I urge Tibetans to cease engaging in such illegal activities.”
