Arms Smuggling from Pakistan Surges Fivefold

Punjab’s security agencies are grappling with an alarming escalation in arms smuggling from Pakistan, with a fivefold increase in seizures along the border this year. Officials report that 362 weapons — including AK-47 rifles, grenades, and improvised explosive devices — have been intercepted so far, compared to just 81 in the previous year.

Security analysts believe the surge is a direct consequence of India’s precision strikes during Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) seems to be retaliating by flooding Punjab with weapons, aiming to destabilise the state,” said a senior security expert. Nearly one-third of all seizures have occurred since the operation.

More than 50 individuals have been arrested, many caught collecting drone-dropped weapons or awaiting consignments intended for terror attacks. Notably, three AK-47 rifles were recovered recently, marking the first such seizure in three years. The last major recovery of similar assault rifles was in October 2022, when six were confiscated.

Coordinated Crackdown and Evolving Tactics

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav told The Tribune that the Punjab Police, in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), central intelligence agencies, and the Special Services Operation Cell, has successfully intercepted several terror plots.
“We have managed to pre-empt the smuggling of sophisticated weapons and thwarted several terrorism plans hatched from across the border,” Yadav said.

Investigations have revealed a complex nexus involving gangsters and terrorists based in countries like the US and Canada, supplying arms to operatives of groups such as Babbar Khalsa International. Officials said these networks are not only fueling organised crime but also advancing ISI-backed efforts to spread instability in Punjab.

The ISI Nexus: Crime Meets Terror

A senior intelligence officer described the ISI’s strategy as a hybrid warfare approach. “By leveraging gangsters, drug smugglers, and terrorists, the ISI is attempting to create a law-and-order crisis while promoting the Khalistan agenda,” the officer said.
Recovered weapons have been linked to violent crimes including extortion, targeted killings, and inter-gang clashes, heightening concerns that these armed groups could act as foot soldiers in future terror operations.

Authorities say the scale of smuggling this year surpasses the total recorded between 2021 and 2024 combined, underscoring the magnitude of the threat.

High-End Weaponry and Modern Smuggling Routes

Among the seized arms are advanced firearms like 9mm Glocks, PX5 pistols, and .30, .32, and .315 caliber weapons, often found with magazines and live cartridges. Intelligence reports suggest that many of these weapons, sourced from Pakistan, are intended for high-impact terrorist and criminal use.

The smuggling techniques have also evolved. While traditional couriers once dominated, drone-based deliveries have become increasingly common since 2019. During the monsoon, smugglers exploit riverine routes, taking advantage of high water levels and poor visibility. “The use of drones and river routes has made interdiction far more challenging,” noted a security official.

Border Hotspots and Continued Vigilance

Smuggling networks remain concentrated in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Batala, all of which are close to the international border and have recorded the majority of arms recoveries since 2022. These districts, officials say, serve as key entry points for ISI-backed modules.

As Punjab tightens its border security grid, authorities stress that continued vigilance and inter-agency coordination will be crucial in countering this evolving threat.

“Every consignment we stop is a potential terror plot prevented,” said a senior counterintelligence officer. “The battle against arms smuggling is ongoing — and it’s being fought every day on the ground.”