BSF hits century, thwarts over 100 Pakistani Drone infiltrations attempting smuggling

Chandigarh: The Border Security Force (BSF) disclosed on Tuesday a whooping interception of over 100 Pakistani drones by its personnel in Punjab this year. These drones were identified as carriers for smuggling narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory, posing a threat to national security.

Highlighting their efforts, the BSF outlined a comprehensive 'three-pronged strategy' devised to stop the illicit movement of drugs and other contraband into Indian territories through surreptitious means. In a series of communiqués, the BSF Punjab Frontier stated, “Till now, in 2023, BSF Punjab has successfully shot down or recovered 100 Pakistani drones being used by anti-national elements to smuggle narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory.”

The force further mentioned that it has not only shot down drones but has also arrested smugglers who were ‘facilitating’ smuggling through the use of drones.

BSF's three pronged strategy

Following this, the BSF statement explained the agency’s plans in simple terms: they aim to achieve three main objectives. First, they aim to reduce the availability of drugs. Second, they want to educate people about the dangers of drug use. And third, they aim to help young people by teaching them skills that can lead to good employment opportunities.

"The BSF has implemented a three-pronged strategy, with the objectives of curtailing the drug supply, raising awareness against drug abuse, and empowering the youth with skills to channelize their energy, thereby facilitating meaningful employment opportunities," it said.

In a recent incident on Monday, the BSF thwarted a smuggling attempt through a drone in Amritsar, seizing 434 grams of heroin tightly wrapped with adhesive tape. The troops sprang into action after a Pakistani drone breached Indian airspace. A subsequent search operation in Ranian village of Amritsar led to the seizure of the heroin parcel.

Detailing the incident, the BSF reported, “On 25 December 2023, during the morning hours, on specific information from BSF regarding smuggling through a drone on the outskirts of Vill - Ranian & Rear Kakkar, District - Amritsar, an operation was planned.”

The troops responded to the drone's intrusion, which dropped the contraband before retreating to Pakistan. "The BSF party, at about 0642 hrs, heard a buzzing sound of a suspected flying object and the dropping sound of something; as a result, the BSF party recovered 01 packet (Gross wt - 434 Gms) suspected to be Heroin, wrapped with transparent adhesive tape and a ring attached to it for hanging with the drone," the BSF statement added.

This recent interception mirrored the continual efforts of the BSF in neutralising attempts by smugglers to infiltrate Indian territory through drones.