ITBP SEIZES 108 KG OF GOLD BISCUITS NEAR CHINA BORDER

Why in the News?

  • The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) arrested two men in eastern Ladakh for allegedly smuggling 108 kg of gold biscuits from China.
  • This incident marks the first time a large-scale gold smuggling racket has been exposed in the region, leading to the arrest of two local individuals.
Source: MoneyControl

Power to Curb Smuggling:

  • The ITBP, authorized by the Union Home Ministry, executed the operation under the ITBP Act, which grants customs powers to the force.

Legal Status of Smuggling:

Smuggling in India is primarily addressed under the Customs Act, 1962.

This act provides the legal framework for preventing and penalizing smuggling activities. Specific provisions under this act detail the powers of customs officers, procedures for search, seizure, and confiscation of goods, and the penalties for smuggling offenses.

About Indo-Tibetan Border Police

  • Central Armed Police Force: ITBP is a specialized mountain force with professionally trained mountaineers and skiers.
  • Origin: Raised in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War for deployment along the India-China border.
  • Status: Initially under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Act, the ITBPF Act was enacted in 1992, with rules framed in 1994.
  • Motto: “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha” (Valour – Determination – Devotion to Duty).
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/seven-new-battalions-of-the-indo-tibetan-border-police-itbp-force/