BSF and Punjab Police Seize Over 6.4 Kg Heroin and Drone in Border Operations
In a significant crackdown on cross-border smuggling, the Border Security Force (BSF), in coordination with the Punjab Police, seized more than 6.4 kilograms of heroin and recovered a drone in three separate incidents along the International Border in Amritsar district over the past 24 hours. The operations targeted the sensitive Gharinda and Lopoke sectors, areas notorious for frequent smuggling attempts.
Drone Interception and Heroin Recovery in Gharinda Sector
During night surveillance near the Kahangarh Border Outpost (BoP) in the Gharinda area, vigilant BSF troops detected suspicious drone movement. Acting swiftly, they neutralised the drone using advanced anti-drone technology. A subsequent search operation in the surrounding fields led to the recovery of a DJI Matrice 400 drone along with five packets containing 5.33 kg of heroin, suspected to have been dropped from across the border.
Additional Seizures in Separate Incidents
In another recovery from the same BoP area, BSF troops seized an additional packet containing 557 grams of heroin, indicating multiple attempts to smuggle narcotics into Indian territory. In a separate operation, BSF personnel recovered another packet with 553 grams of heroin from the Pul Moran BoP, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Lopoke police station.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
Following the seizures, the contraband and the drone were handed over to the Punjab Police for further legal action. The police have registered three separate cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Authorities have launched further investigations to identify the cross-border network involved in these smuggling attempts.
Security agencies believe the narcotics were sent from across the border using drones, a method increasingly employed by smugglers operating along the India-Pakistan International Border. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and enhance border security in the region.
