In a striking display of escalating border security challenges, the Border Security Force (BSF) has reported the highest number of drone interceptions in Punjab over the past ten months. A total of 183 drones have been recovered near the International Border, a significant jump from the 107 drones seized throughout 2023.
These drones, predominantly originating from Pakistan, are being utilized to smuggle illicit goods into India, including narcotics, arms, and ammunition. The sophisticated use of unmanned aerial vehicles underscores a strategic shift by traffickers aiming to bypass conventional security measures.
A recent operation on October 30 saw BSF personnel intercept five drones in different parts of Punjab, along with a pistol and nearly two kilograms of heroin. This incident is part of a broader trend, with the BSF averaging four to five drone recoveries each week. In just the past week, authorities intercepted 15 drones, apprehended nine suspected drug traffickers, and seized approximately nine kilograms of heroin.
“This substantial haul highlights not only the extent of narcotics attempts but also the strategic planning employed by the traffickers,” a BSF statement noted, emphasizing the growing sophistication of smuggling operations.
To date, the BSF has detained 77 individuals suspected of involvement in cross-border smuggling. The seizures include 219 kilograms of heroin, 15 kilograms of opium, 34 pistols, 45 magazines, and 405 rounds of ammunition—all believed to have been delivered via drones.
Despite these successes, BSF sources warn that many drone infiltrations may still go undetected. Current detection methods rely heavily on visual and audio surveillance, supplemented by a limited number of anti-drone systems. The force is continuously developing drills and procedures to enhance their ability to identify and neutralize unauthorized drones.
Punjab remains the most active frontier for drug smuggling among the BSF’s five Pakistan-bordering sectors, followed by the Sriganganagar area in Rajasthan. The latter’s proximity to densely populated areas and numerous access roads makes it a prime target for smuggling activities. In contrast, the Jammu and Kashmir frontiers are primarily targeted for weapon infiltrations, while southern regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, characterized by sparsely populated border areas, experience fewer such incidents.
The majority of the recovered drones are identified as DJI Mavic series models, manufactured by a Shenzhen-based Chinese company. These compact quadcopters, weighing less than one kilogram, can achieve speeds up to 75 kilometers per hour, reach altitudes of 6,000 meters, and operate for approximately 40 minutes on a single charge. While most drones are imported, a few recovered units have been locally assembled using discarded parts or commercially available components and kits.
The surge in drone-assisted smuggling operations underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance technologies and more robust anti-drone defenses to secure India’s borders effectively. As traffickers continue to innovate, the BSF remains committed to adapting its strategies to counter these evolving threats and safeguard national security.
