SOURCE: AFI
The Border Security Force (BSF) has raised an alarm over the increasing sophistication of drones being used to smuggle weapons and drugs across the India-Pakistan border. According to Inspector-General of BSF (Punjab Frontier) Atul Fulzele, the newer drone models have become smaller, quieter, and capable of flying at higher altitudes, making them significantly harder to detect.
In a press briefing on Friday, Fulzele revealed that the BSF had intercepted 137 drones since January 1, seizing 28 weapons, including pistols and AK rifles, along with 160.28 kg of heroin. He emphasized that while land smuggling has become negligible, drone-based smuggling has emerged as the primary method for infiltrating contraband.
The BSF has observed a concerning trend in the evolution of these drones. While earlier models were larger, noisier, and could carry heavier payloads, the newer drones are significantly smaller, almost silent, and can carry up to 500 grams of cargo. This has prompted the force to develop new counter-drone strategies to address the growing threat.
Fulzele added that all seized drones have been analyzed in a BSF laboratory and found to be Chinese-made Mavic models. The data suggests that the drones are being launched from locations close to Pakistani Rangers establishments.