Security agencies recovered over 12 kg of heroin that was allegedly dropped by a drone from Pakistan in agricultural fields near Daleke village in the Lopoke area of Amritsar district, amid a rise in cross-border smuggling attempts during the winter fog season.

The seizure was made by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Punjab Police in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF).

Fog used to evade surveillance

Officials said smugglers are exploiting dense fog conditions along the 553-kilometre Indo-Pak international border in Punjab, which significantly reduces visibility and hampers routine surveillance during winter months.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said that during routine patrolling of identified vulnerable locations, intelligence inputs were received about a drone operating near Daleke village.

“Acting swiftly on the information, joint teams of the ANTF, under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Gurpreet Singh, conducted a systematic search of the area,” the DGP said.

12.050 kg heroin seized

During the search operation, a consignment of heroin was recovered from agricultural fields near the village. “The total weight of the recovered contraband, including packaging material, was 12.050 kg,” officials confirmed.

Suspects identified, raids underway

Superintendent of Police, ANTF, Gurpreet Singh, said preliminary investigations are underway to trace both backward and forward linkages using technical inputs and human intelligence.

“Individuals who were supposed to retrieve the consignment have been identified, and raids are being conducted to arrest them,” he said.

A case, FIR No. 322 dated December 22, 2025, has been registered under Sections 21(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station ANTF.

Spike in drone-based smuggling

Sources said that since December 1, the BSF has recovered around seven drones and 24 kg of heroin along the Punjab border. With this seizure, the total number of drone recoveries this year has risen to 279, while heroin seizures have reached nearly 400 kg.

Despite challenging weather conditions, border surveillance has been strengthened through enhanced foot patrols, intensified observation tower monitoring, and the deployment of trained sniffer dogs to counter drone-based smuggling operations.