Punjab: Over 130 drones seized near Pakistan border this year

The Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered over 130 drones from along the International Border with Pakistan in Punjab in the first six months of the year.

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In addition, the BSF has also seized close to 135 kg of narcotics, including heroin, and 79 weapons of different kind from January 1 till June 30 this year, according to sources.

Last year, the border guarding force had seized 283 kg of narcotics along the border in Punjab while neutralising 294 drones, a substantial increase from 107 drones in 2023.

According to BSF officers, the use of drones has increased substantially to smuggle narcotics, weapons and fake currency in the country from across the border.

The Amritsar Tarn – Taran belt and the Ferozepur region are hotspots in Punjab for illegal drone activity.

Most drug consignments recovered by the BSF had been dropped by drones originating from Pakistan. China-made Mavick series drones are commonly used for smuggling, which carry a packet weighing 450-550 gm, generally wrapped in a yellow adhesive tape.

BSF officers said that the drone menace was being effectively countered by increasing employment of anti-drone systems along the border and regularly reviewing operational procedures.

Drone intrusions are meticulously tracked, intercepted and recovered.

The BSF has developed its own intelligence wing to monitor the movement of drones and smugglers in border regions and many of its operations are based on these inputs.

In addition, regular coordination meetings to share information and coordinate operations with other law enforcement agencies are also conducted.

Joint operations with the Punjab Police are also carried out to intercept consignments or nab suspects.

The BSF is responsible for the peace-time management of the International Border with Pakistan running through the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Amongst these states, Punjab accounts for the highest number of recoveries of drones and narcotics.

While most of the border is fenced, some riverine stretches along the course of the Sutlej are unfenced and difficult to guard and patrol because of the terrain.