New Delhi, 20 October 2026: Large-sized drones have emerged as a new and serious concern for security agencies on the India-Pakistan border. These drones are being flown from Kasur and Suleman areas of Pakistan, from where the decision to place heroin and weapons is made. Earlier, small drones were sent to the border, but now big drones are crossing the international border, penetrating 10 to 20 kilometers deep into the villages of Punjab and unloading consignments of heroin and weapons. Not only this, it has also come to light that after delivering this consignment the drones were returning back to Pakistan.
The concern of the security agencies has increased after they intercepted three huge consignments of heroin delivered by big drones from three different villages of Ferozepur area in the last 15 days. In recent cases, more than 20 kg of heroin has been found in Padhari village, approximately 10 kg in Alike and more than 10 kg in Arifke area. These incidents clearly indicate that more powerful drones are now being used to smuggle drugs across the border.
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The reed forests on the Pakistani border provide cover for smugglers.
According to intelligence sources, Pakistan's Kasur district is located opposite Ferozepur and Suleman area is located near the border towards Fazilka. On the Indian side there is agricultural land, while on the Pakistani side the reed valley forests provide cover for smugglers. Pakistani smugglers fly big drones over these forests and the goods are dropped based on the location provided by the Indian smugglers. Since drones deliver goods directly to villages and farms, smugglers do not need to go close to the border, making it more challenging for security agencies to access local networks.
Not only heroin, but incidents of sending foreign pistols, hand grenades, AK-47, heroin and RTX through drones from across the border have also been reported in Amritsar region. The manipulation of lethal weapons and explosives along with narcotics makes this threat more serious. Security agencies now face a big challenge not only to stop drone infiltration but also to catch such local networks operating in Indian territory.
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Major seizures in the last one month:
20 September, Faridkot: Police seized 47.3 kg of heroin along with 3 pistols, 3 magazines and 15 cartridges; Arrest of 4 accused.
7-8 October, Firozpur (Pathri Village): 20.298 kg heroin seized by police and BSF (suspected to be thrown by drone).
18 October, Arifke region: 10.750 kg heroin seized from Tega Singh village.
19 October, Arifke region: 10 kg heroin was seized from the fields of Jeevan Bhediya village.
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Big drones on India-Pakistan border pose a big challenge for security agencies. Smuggling of heroin and weapons through drones increased in Firozpur and other areas of Punjab. Read detailed report.