In an unprecedented twist to the investigation into cross-border drone smuggling, Gurdaspur police have uncovered evidence suggesting that one of their own inmates has been mastermind-ing illicit shipments of narcotics and weaponry from Pakistan—right from inside Gurdaspur Central Jail.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aditya confirmed today that the unnamed prisoner, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, is believed to have co‑ordinated multiple drone sorties into the Dorangla sector along the India–Pakistan border. “We uncovered his involvement during follow‑up questioning of three suspects arrested earlier this week,” the SSP said. He added that the inmate would be taken into police custody for further interrogation “as soon as remand proceedings are complete.”
The breakthrough came after investigators detained Balwinder Singh, Kuldeep Singh and a minor in connection with the seizure of 2 kilograms of heroin, two pistols, four magazines and 66 rounds of ammunition at a farm outside Dorangla almost one month ago. A subsequent raid netted an additional 255 grams of heroin. Under intense questioning, the trio implicated the jail inmate, revealing that they had met him regularly to finalise drop schedules, rendezvous points and drone‑navigation details.
Law enforcement sources say that Dorangla—a farming belt just a few kilometres from the international fence—has emerged as a focal point for aerial smuggling. Pakistani handlers, both state and non‑state, are thought to be operating covert launch pads across the border, directing unmanned aerial vehicles to precise GPS coordinates on the Indian side. The smugglers, tipped off in advance about payload weights and flight timings, retrieve consignments under cover of darkness before dispersing the contraband into urban centres.
Security experts warn that the involvement of a prison insider represents a significant escalation in the sophistication of smuggling networks. “Controlling drone flights from within jail walls gives these criminal outfits an operational edge,” commented a counter‑terrorism analyst, requesting anonymity. “It allows them to change plans on the fly and coordinate with handlers abroad, all while evading external surveillance.”
Officials say the probe remains highly sensitive and details are being tightly guarded to prevent tipping off accomplices. Meanwhile, additional teams have been deployed along the Gurdaspur border belt to disrupt further drone operations. The police have also appealed to local farmers and residents to report any unusual nocturnal activity, stressing that community vigilance will be key to thwarting future attempts.
As the investigation deepens, authorities are examining jail protocols and communication logs to determine how the inmate maintained contact with external operatives. “This case will prompt a complete overhaul of our internal security measures,” SSP Aditya indicated. With the judiciary set to oversee the inmate’s remand hearing tomorrow, Gurdaspur’s law enforcement community braces for what may be one of the most startling exposés of cross‑border crime in recent memory.
