Major Drug Bust in Jammu: Rs 40 Crore Heroin Seized from Pakistani Drone
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Border Security Force (BSF) troopers seized over 6 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of Rs 40 crore on Saturday. The contraband is suspected to have been dropped by a Pakistani drone near the international border in Jammu's RS Pura sector, marking a critical interception in cross-border drug trafficking efforts.
Joint Operation Uncovers Drone-Dropped Contraband
Acting on specific intelligence regarding a drone dropping material from across the border, a coordinated joint operation was launched by troopers of the 165th battalion of the BSF and J&K Police. During an extensive search in the Nai Basti Karotana village within the Baspur area of RS Pura, the substantial drug consignment was successfully recovered. The heroin was meticulously wrapped in distinctive yellow polythene packets, according to official statements.
Security sources have hailed this seizure as a "big achievement" in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking. Local police received crucial information about the suspected drone movement late on Friday night, enabling the swift and effective response that led to the bust.
Ongoing Investigations and Broader Context
Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is actively underway to trace the exact source and intended destination of the seized contraband. Police are thoroughly examining both backward and forward linkages in the case to dismantle the smuggling network. This operation follows closely on the heels of another significant drug-related arrest in the region.
Just a day prior, in Kathua—approximately 85 kilometers away—police arrested two individuals for allegedly smuggling heroin that was also dropped from Pakistani drones in border areas. The arrested men have been identified as Danish Dogra, a local resident, and Jatin from Pathankot in neighboring Punjab. They are accused of smuggling 150 grams of heroin and maintaining contact with a Pakistan-based peddler through VoIP calls.
This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of drone-assisted narcotics smuggling from across the border. On December 23 last year, Kathua police arrested four people, including a drug peddler linked to a Pakistan-based drone-dropped narcotics module. Seizures from that operation included Rs 5 lakh in cash and over 400 grams of heroin, which was allegedly dropped by a drone in the border village of Chhan Tanda in the Hiranagar area.
The repeated use of drones for drug smuggling underscores the evolving tactics employed by traffickers and highlights the critical need for enhanced surveillance and coordinated security measures along the international border. The successful seizure in RS Pura demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations and timely intelligence in combating this transnational threat.
