As dense winter fog engulfs the plains of Punjab, reducing visibility to near zero for prolonged periods, the 553-kilometre-long international border with Pakistan transforms into a high-stakes arena of silent conflict. Security agencies report that this annual weather phenomenon is systematically exploited by Pakistan-based smugglers and handlers, backed by the ISI, to push narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory.
Fog as a Smuggler's Shield: A Seasonal Strategy
Officials responsible for border security confirm that the dense fog, which often persists from late evening until afternoon, creates near-perfect conditions for cross-border infiltration and drone-based smuggling. The severely reduced visibility directly hampers conventional surveillance methods.
Security personnel deployed along the frontier highlight that drug syndicates and terror modules operating from Pakistan deliberately schedule their operations to coincide with periods of heavy fog. "Winter fog is not accidental to their planning. It is factored in," revealed a senior officer on condition of anonymity. Initially viewed by smugglers as a natural cloak against detection, security forces have now evolved their tactics to counter this persistent, weather-dependent threat.
Technology and Canines: BSF's Multi-Pronged Response
Despite the challenging weather, surveillance has been significantly ramped up. "Fog may affect human eyesight, but it does not affect technology," asserted a border security officer, underscoring the effectiveness of the anti-drone grid which has substantially lowered the success rate of aerial intrusions.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has implemented a robust multi-layered strategy:
- Enhanced foot patrols along the border fence and approach roads.
- Intensified monitoring from observation towers and border outposts, with personnel maintaining high alert despite low visibility.
- Deployment of specially trained sniffer dogs capable of detecting narcotics and explosives, proving crucial in locating hidden consignments.
- Continuous operation of anti-drone systems, which officials confirm remain unaffected by the fog.
In numerous instances, drones have been intercepted and their payloads seized before reaching intended recipients on the Indian side.
By the Numbers: A Significant Haul in 2024
The scale of the smuggling attempts and the security forces' recoveries are substantial. Since December 1 alone, the BSF has seized approximately six drones and 12 kilograms of heroin along the Punjab frontier.
Cumulatively for the current year, these recoveries have reached a staggering 278 drones and 388 kilograms of heroin. Security sources believe a significant number of drones likely managed to return to Pakistan after successfully airdropping consignments containing heroin, arms, and ammunition.
When questioned about special winter measures, Atul Fulzele, Inspector General of BSF, Punjab Frontier, stated, "Keeping in view the unusually thick and prolonged fog this winter, the BSF has further intensified border surveillance." He reiterated the critical role of foot patrols and sniffer dogs in the ongoing operation to secure the border against those seeking to exploit the seasonal cover.
The silent battle against fog-assisted smuggling continues, with India's border forces leveraging both technology and traditional methods to protect the frontier during its most vulnerable season.
