BSF Says 255 Pakistani Drones Shot Down So Far This Year
Heightened vigilance and advanced fog-season surveillance deployed as cross-border smuggling attempts rise.
Chandigarh, Nov 18: The Border Security Force (BSF) has neutralised 255 Pakistani drones this year, most of which were being used to smuggle heroin, weapons, and explosives into India, a senior BSF Punjab Frontier official confirmed.
BSF Inspector General Atul Fulzele said that with the fog season approaching, surveillance has been intensified to counter increased smuggling attempts from across the border. He highlighted that reduced visibility during dense fog often provides an opportunity for smugglers to fly drones undetected.
“We have made the necessary arrangements to tackle this challenge. Special surveillance equipment will be deployed in foggy conditions, and strict monitoring of riverine stretches will be ensured to reinforce our overall security grid,” Fulzele said.
He added that BSF personnel will keep a close watch on individuals entering border zones to collect drone consignments. Joint checking with Punjab Police will also be intensified on roads leading to border areas. “We do it every year and will do it this time as well,” the IG stated.
Till mid-November, the BSF had intercepted 251 drones and recovered 329 kg of heroin, 16 kg of ICE (methamphetamine), 191 weapons, 12 hand grenades, and over 10 kg of explosives. The force has also neutralised three Pakistani intruders and arrested 240 Indian smugglers along with 19 Pakistani nationals linked to cross-border crimes.
On Monday, the BSF additionally reported the recovery of 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition near Muthiawala village in Ferozepur, as part of ongoing anti-smuggling operations.
