AI Generated Summary
- The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), has arrested two alleged drug smugglers and recovered nearly 20 kg of heroin that officials said was delivered across the border using a Pakistani drone.
- Acting on the information, ANTF and BSF personnel laid a trap in the vicinity of Border Outpost (BOP) Pachharian and apprehended the two suspects.
- Sources said the drone involved in the operation was suspected to be a relatively large unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying the substantial consignment.
Nearly 20 kg contraband recovered in joint ANTF-BSF operation; drone suspected to have flown 4 km inside Indian territory
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), has arrested two alleged drug smugglers and recovered nearly 20 kg of heroin that officials said was delivered across the border using a Pakistani drone.
The operation led to the seizure of 19.820 kg of heroin and the arrest of Baljinder Singh, alias Rocky, 23, and Manjeet Singh, alias Gagandeep, 20. Both accused are residents of Langeana village in the Sadar area.
AIG, ANTF, Gurinderbir Singh said the operation was launched following specific intelligence about the movement of the contraband. Acting on the information, ANTF and BSF personnel laid a trap in the vicinity of Border Outpost (BOP) Pachharian and apprehended the two suspects.
According to the ANTF, preliminary investigation indicates that the accused were allegedly part of a local network responsible for receiving and distributing narcotics smuggled from across the international border.
Officials said the heroin had been packed inside a rubber tube about four feet long. The package was tightly sealed at both ends using iron pipes and was designed to withstand the impact of being dropped from the air.
The consignment was allegedly flown into India by a drone from Pakistan and dropped at a predetermined location for collection by local operatives.
Sources said the drone involved in the operation was suspected to be a relatively large unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying the substantial consignment. It is believed to have travelled around four kilometres inside Indian territory before releasing the package.
The two accused allegedly retrieved the consignment after it was dropped and were subsequently intercepted during the joint operation.
The seizure highlights the continuing use of drones by cross-border narcotics networks to transport large quantities of drugs into border areas, bypassing traditional land-based smuggling routes.
A case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigation is underway to trace other members of the network and establish the intended destination and distribution chain of the seized heroin.
