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Heroin – Security agencies have intercepted a major narcotics consignment along the International Border in the RS Pura sector, seizing more than 6.5 kilograms of heroin estimated to be worth over Rs 40 crore in the illicit market. Officials confirmed that the operation was carried out on Saturday following specific intelligence inputs regarding suspicious drone activity near the border.

Joint Operation Leads to Major Seizure

The recovery was the result of a coordinated search operation conducted by the 165th Battalion of the Border Security Force and local police teams. Acting on information about a drone suspected to have crossed over from across the border and dropped a consignment, personnel launched an overnight search in Nai Basti Karotana village, located in the Baspur area.

According to a police spokesperson, information about the suspected drone movement was received during the intervening night of February 13 and 14. Security teams immediately cordoned off the suspected area and began combing nearby agricultural fields close to the International Border.

During the search, two yellow packets were discovered concealed in the fields. Upon inspection, the packets were found to contain 6.582 kilograms of heroin. The contraband was seized on the spot, and authorities described the recovery as a significant success in ongoing efforts to curb cross-border drug trafficking.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

Following the seizure, a case was registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigators are now working to identify the network behind the smuggling attempt, including the origin and intended recipients of the consignment.

Officials indicated that further leads are being pursued, and they expressed confidence that the investigation could soon yield important breakthroughs. Security agencies are examining technical inputs related to drone movement and communication channels potentially used by the smugglers.

Appeal for Public Cooperation

Law enforcement authorities have appealed to residents, particularly those living in villages near the International Border, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Police officials stressed that community cooperation plays a vital role in detecting and preventing illegal drug operations in border regions.

They reiterated their commitment to eliminating narcotics trafficking and reducing related criminal activities. “Public support is essential in our mission to build a drug-free and crime-free society,” the spokesperson said, highlighting ongoing awareness and enforcement initiatives.

Arrests in Related Drone Smuggling Case

The latest seizure comes just a day after police arrested two individuals in connection with another alleged drone-based heroin smuggling attempt in the border areas of Kathua district.

The accused were identified as Jatin, a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, and Danish Dogra, also known as Sajan, from Jakhbar in Kathua. They were taken into custody in a case involving a drone drop near Nagri, where approximately 150 grams of heroin had been recovered earlier.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the two men were allegedly in contact with a Pakistan-based handler. Authorities said communication was maintained through Voice over Internet Protocol calls, a method often used to mask identities and locations.

Security officials have been closely monitoring the increasing use of drones for cross-border smuggling. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles to transport narcotics has emerged as a growing concern for agencies tasked with securing the border.

Heightened Vigil Along Border Areas

In response to recent incidents, security forces have intensified surveillance in vulnerable sectors along the International Border. Enhanced night patrols, technical monitoring systems, and coordinated operations between central and local agencies are being deployed to counter evolving smuggling tactics.

Officials maintain that while drone-assisted smuggling attempts pose new challenges, timely intelligence sharing and joint operations have helped prevent significant quantities of narcotics from entering the domestic market.

Authorities have reiterated that strict enforcement under the NDPS Act will continue, alongside sustained efforts to dismantle cross-border networks involved in drug trafficking.