Chinese Drones Used by Pakistan to Smuggle Drugs in Punjab
The use of advanced Chinese drones by smugglers has raised concerns in Punjab, with security agencies intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking along the India-Pakistan border. These hi-tech drones, equipped with modern artificial intelligence features, have become a preferred tool for drug smugglers operating from Pakistan.
The drones, which can remain airborne for long periods and fly at high altitudes, take off from locations near Lahore, Kasur, and Sheikhpura in Pakistan. They enter the Indian airspace, dropping drugs, arms, and ammunition primarily in the border areas of Punjab’s Amritsar sector. The operation is carefully coordinated by smugglers based in Pakistan.
To counter this illegal activity, the Border Security Force (BSF) has identified 200 dropping zones along the International Border on the Indian side in Punjab. This year alone, security agencies have successfully shot down 26 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and have detected 165 of them in the first six months.
Sources reveal that the drones are typically operated between 10 pm and 4 am, preferably during dark nights, to avoid detection. Flying at heights of 1,500 to 2,000 meters, they minimize the risk of being spotted by security agencies. Once it’s time to drop the consignment, the drones are lowered to approximately 700 meters.
An official familiar with the matter explained, The drones are GPS-enabled, and their operators across the border feed them with precise coordinates to ensure accurate delivery of the drugs, arms, and ammunition. Additionally, an illuminating device is attached to the consignment, making it easier for smugglers in India to locate the dropped package using only the provided coordinates.
The payload capacity of these drones ranges from 5 to 7 kilograms, including drugs and small weapons like AK-47s. Many of the shot-down UAVs are of Chinese origin, manufactured by a company called DJI.
Highlighting the reliability and capabilities of these drones, an official stated, The Matrice 300, a quadcopter weighing 6 kilograms, is more dependable than the assembled drones. It can carry payloads of up to 2.7 kilograms and has a flight time of 55 minutes. Equipped with high-definition cameras for live recording and capturing images, this drone can even transport multiple payloads simultaneously.
One significant challenge faced by law enforcement authorities is the operators’ ability to remotely delete all data stored on the drones once they are shot down or seized. This makes tracking their flight path and gathering valuable information about their activities more difficult. Last year, on December 25, a drone was shot down near the Rajatal border outpost in Punjab’s Amritsar district. Forensic analysis later revealed that the device flew in China’s Fengxian district on June 11 of the same year. Thereafter, it was flown 28 more times between September 24 and December 25 in Pakistan’s Khanewal district.
In response to these security threats, the BSF has established a specialized forensic laboratory in Delhi to extract data from seized drones, studying their flight paths and conducting other scientific analyses. It has been noted that many of the recovered drones were manufactured in China.
While authorities strive to address this growing menace, the situation underscores the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination between India and Pakistan to combat drug trafficking and smuggling activities. Additionally, measures to tighten security along the border and monitor drone activities more closely are required to curb this illicit trade.
In conclusion, the smuggling of drugs, arms, and ammunition via Chinese drones operated by Pakistani smugglers has emerged as a significant challenge for security agencies in Punjab. Efforts are underway to counter this menace, with increased surveillance and advanced technologies being deployed to detect and neutralize these drones. A joint effort by both countries is essential to effectively address these security threats and prevent further harm.
