In an unprecedented week from November 9 to 15, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted or recovered 16 drones along the Indo-Pak border in Punjab, marking the highest-ever seizure within such a short period. The drones, primarily of Chinese origin, were reportedly used for smuggling narcotics, weapons, and counterfeit currency. In addition to the drones, the BSF seized around 16 kilograms of heroin and arrested two suspects involved in cross-border smuggling. Incidents were reported across Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur sectors, highlighting the growing use of drones for illicit activities.
The BSF noted a significant increase in drone recoveries, with 216 detected so far this year, compared to 107 in 2022. Sophisticated DJI Mavic drones, capable of flying at high altitudes and covering up to 30 kilometers, were primarily used. To evade detection, smugglers have altered their tactics, increasing drone altitudes to 1,000 meters and choosing drop zones deeper within Indian territory. Recent operations uncovered packets of heroin in fields and detained suspects with narcotics near the border. Advanced counter-drone measures, including forensic analysis of seized drones, are in place, but officials admitted some incursions may still go undetected.
To combat the growing threat, the BSF has intensified surveillance and counter-drone efforts, establishing a facility in Punjab to analyze patterns and identify vulnerable border areas. Officials observed that drone smuggling began around 2018-19 with larger models but has since shifted to smaller, less detectable drones. These lightweight devices, capable of carrying up to half a kilogram of contraband, represent a significant challenge for law enforcement, necessitating continuous technological upgrades to counter this evolving menace.