BSF shoots down Pakistani drone carrying heroin along border in Amritsar

Tribune News Service

GS Paul

Amritsar, May 9

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday shot down a drone coming from the Pakistani side along the India-Pakistan border falling under Amritsar sector during the wee hours.

The drone carried a bag having nine yellow-coloured packets stashed with suspected heroin weighing 10.67 kilogram.

“Frontier #BSF troops foiled another smuggling attempt through Pak drone. Vigilant BSF troops fired at the drone coming from Pak & brought it down. Drone carrying 9 packets suspected to be #Heroin (10.670Kgs) in a bag were also recovered,” said the BSF (Punjab Frontier) in a tweet.

BSF personnel deployed in the forward post in Amritsar’s Area of Responsibility heard the humming sounds of a suspicious object flying at a height of around 300 metres late at night.

BSF DIG Bhupinder Singh said the drone had penetrated in at least one kilometre area of the Indian territory, before the BSF troops could spot it. Around nine rounds were fired to eventually get it down.

“It was discovered that the printing on the drone was deliberately scratched, apparently, in an attempt to omit the evidence and source, but the bag that contained heroin packets bore the Pakistani marking”, he said.

Ironically, extra batteries were set up with the drone. “It appeared that extra batteries were installed to enhance its flying capacity.

“Though, we have gunned down around four drones in the recent past, but it was for the first time that we could get both, the drone and the contraband. The investigation is on to hatch the conspiracy and the designated spot where it was supposed to deliver the contraband”, he said.

However, no arrest could be made so far.

Nonetheless, though the drug smuggling attempt was foiled, the BSF lodged a protest with the Pakistan Rangers during the flag meeting.

“We have protested that the drone had entered our side from their jurisdiction only”, he said.

Meanwhile, the area had been cordoned off and the BSF in collaboration with the police had been searching the vicinity where the drone was detected.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.