Tribune News Service
Over the last ten months, a record 183 drones have been recovered by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the vicinity of the International Border in Punjab, a noticeable increase over 107 recovered in 2023. Originating from Pakistan, these drones are used to smuggle narcotics, arms and ammunition.
As many as five drones along with a pistol and nearly 2 kg heroin were recovered from different parts of Punjab on October 30. Over the past week alone, the BSF intercepted 15 drones, caught nine suspected drug traffickers and seized about 9 kg heroin. On an average, 4 to 5 drones are recovered in a week. “This substantial haul highlights not only the extent of narcotics attempts but also the strategic planning employed by the traffickers,” a BSF statement said.
BSF sources reveal that till October 30 they have also taken into custody 77 persons suspected to be involved in cross-border smuggling and seized 219 kg heroin, 15 kg opium, 34 pistols, 45 magazines and 405 rounds of ammunition, all believed to have been dropped by drones.
Sources, however, caution that there could also be a number of drone infiltrations that may have gone undetected. The BSF has devised drills and procedures to detect and neutralise drones, which are largely based on visual and audio observations. A limited number of anti-drone systems have also been put in place.
Amongst BSF’s five frontiers facing Pakistan, Punjab is the most active as far drug smuggling is concerned, followed by the Sriganganagar area in Rajasthan Frontier due to the proximity of dense habitations and numerous link roads along the border. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir frontiers involves infiltration and influx of weapons, while southern Rajasthan and Gujarat, being sparsely populated in border regions, witness fewer such incidents.
Barring a few drones that had been assembled locally, possibly from parts sourced from discarded drones or components and kits available commercially, all recovered drones are DJI Mavic series manufactured in China by a private firm based in Shenzhen, according to BSF officials.
The Mavic series, of which there are several variants, are small quadcopters weighing less than 1 kg. According to available information, these can fly at speeds up to 75 km/h, reach altitude of 6,000 metres and have an endurance of around 40 minutes. Being GPS enabled for navigation, they can be controlled by radio link up to a distance of 30 km. Apart from China, Mavic drones are available commercially for civilian use and also reported to be in service with the militaries of Israel, Russia, Ukraine and Sudan.
The use of drones for smuggling began in 2018-2019, with initially larger hexacopters being used and occasional incidents being reported. Over the years, this activity has intensified and the trend has been to switch over to smaller drones that are cheaper and have lower visual and audio signature. These carry about half-a-kg load that is attached to them with adhesive tape or cords. Recovery of larger drones is now rare.
BSF officers say that the use of drones, which is now the preferred mode of smuggling, does away with the need for traffickers on both sides to approach the border fence, which is risky due to patrols and watch posts. Drones can pick and drop consignments well away from the fence or check posts. Earlier, packets of contraband were simply thrown over the fence or pushed through it by means of PVC pipes. There were also instances of persons going ahead of the border fence for daily chores returning with contraband hidden on their person or in the vehicle or equipment.
A forensic examination is conducted on all recovered drones to determine their technical capability, point of origin, flight path and destination, for which the BSF has set up a special facility in Punjab. This assists the force in discerning trends, hotspots and vulnerable areas.
Responsible for the peacetime management of the International Border, the BSF has deployed 18 battalions along the 553 km stretch in Punjab, with another two in reserve. Most of this is fenced, though some riverine portions along the Sutlej and Ravi rivers are difficult to guard. Induction of another battalion has been sought to bolster defences against infiltrating drones.
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