Security agencies flag use of live-feed drones by Pakistan-based smugglers
New Delhi, June 24
As India continues to crack down on narcotic syndicates, drug smugglers from across the border are increasingly focussing on the Punjab border. Worryingly, smugglers are now sending in narcotics using drones that can provide them real-time feed.
The India-Pakistan border in Punjab has always been a concern when it comes to smuggling of narcotics, arms and ammunition.
However, the new worry is the massive enhancement in technology that is being noticed by the Indian security agencies.
Smugglers are sending in narcotic and arms using drones which have the capability of providing them real-time feed of the operation.
This enhancement has been made after the Indian security agencies have shot down or chased back several drones being used by the smugglers, an official said.
The new drones which are being launched into Punjab have the capabilities of providing live videos of the operation. This helps smugglers keep an eye on the movement of the Indian security forces.
Moreover they can manoeuvre the drones in such a manner that detection can be avoided, an official said.
Another feature found on these new drones is that they are satellite enabled. This added feature helps smugglers penetrate deep into Indian territory while also reducing the risk of being intercepted.
An Intelligence Bureau official said that the use of satellite enabled drones clearly points towards the involvement of the Pakistani establishment. Such technology is only available with the state and the establishment is now giving smugglers this technology so that operations are foolproof and have a 100 per cent success rate, the official said.
These new drones which are so technologically advanced, have become a major cause of concern for the Border Security Force (BSF).
Each time the Indian forces adopt a new technology these smugglers appear to be coming up with something better as a counter.
Another official said that to counter this menace, both technology as well as ground level operations have to be advanced. With the drone technology being slightly challenging to counter until better technology is deployed, it is imperative that the operatives tasked with picking up the payload should be tracked down.
There is a massive network within Punjab that the smugglers from Pakistan have set up. Scores of youth have been recruited to pick up the payloads and circulate them in local markets.
This is a network that needs to be busted as it would heavily hamper operations by drug smugglers, the official pointed out.
If there are none to pick up the contraband, then the entire process of using highly advanced drones to drop off drugs becomes pointless, the official also said.
Officials say that along with these highly advanced drones, the ones with lower technology too are being deployed.
In many cases these smaller drones act as decoys so that the ones with better technology can infiltrate and drop off bigger payloads.
In the last six months, the Pakistan-based narcotic smugglers have sent in drones in large numbers and the security agencies have managed to seize at least 400.
Officials say that the issue does not end at narcotics alone. These drones are also being used to send in arms and ammunition. There has been a rise in the number of pistols and assault rifles being sent into Punjab using drones.
These are primarily for local gangsters and those advocating the Khalistan cause, officials say.
The ISI has been pushing the Khalistani elements to increase operations with the hope that the movement could be revived, officials also point out.
— IANS
Reader Comments
True, technology is advancing on both sides. But what about the ground-level informants? If the payload pickup network isn't broken, shooting down drones is just a temporary fix. Our intelligence agencies need to work more closely with Punjab Police and local communities. Also, satellite-enabled drones? That's a game-changer—India must match that with indigenous drone tech.
This is a classic example of asymmetric warfare. By using cheap drones, they're forcing India to spend millions on countermeasures. But the real fight is ideological—Khalistani elements are being propped up, and the youth in Punjab need education and jobs, not drugs and guns. A comprehensive strategy is needed.
Respectfully, I think we also need to ask why these smugglers find it so easy to recruit youth in Punjab. Is it unemployment, lack of opportunities, or something else? Unless we address the root cause, no amount of drone interception will stop this menace. BSF is doing a great job, but we need social intervention too.
Watching from abroad, this is troubling. India's border security must evolve with tech. The mention of satellite-enabled drones screams state sponsorship—Pakistan's establishment is clearly involved. Kudos to the BSF for seizing 400 drones in six months, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Need better coordination with Punjab Police to break the local drug network.
The decoy drone tactic is clever but predictable. Security agencies should analyze patterns—these drones likely follow same flight paths based on wind and terrain.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.