In a significant operation highlighting the evolving threats at the western frontier, a joint effort by the Rajasthan Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) thwarted a major cross-border narcotics smuggling attempt late Thursday night. The operation, conducted in the sensitive Sriganganagar district adjacent to the India-Pakistan border, led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 4.088 kilograms of high-grade heroin, valued at over Rs 20 crore in the international market, along with a drone used for the illicit aerial delivery.
The Night Interception Near the Canal
According to Sriganganagar Superintendent of Police Amrita Duhan, the breakthrough came during routine patrolling. A police team from the Rawla police station area noticed three youths acting suspiciously near the canal bank close to the 15 KND culvert. Upon spotting the police vehicle, the trio attempted to flee but were swiftly surrounded and detained by the alert officers.
"During questioning, the suspects failed to give satisfactory explanations, prompting a thorough search," stated SP Duhan. The search yielded the massive heroin haul and a drone manufactured by the Chinese company DJI. Preliminary investigations confirmed the contraband's origin. "The heroin had been smuggled from Pakistan using a drone," the SP revealed, adding that the consignment was intended to be handed over to a wider smuggling network within India.
Accused Identified, Narcotics Distributed
The police have identified the arrested accused. They are Jagandeep Singh alias Labbu Singh (26), a resident of Chak 10 K in Anupgarh; Neetu Singh alias Ravneet Singh (21), from Dabli Rathan in Hanumangarh district; and Satpal Singh (27), hailing from Chak 04 STR, Gharsana in Sriganganagar district.
The recovered narcotics were found divided among them:
- 1,019 grams of heroin was recovered from Jagandeep Singh.
- 2,048 grams was seized from Neetu Singh.
- 1,021 grams was found in Satpal Singh's possession.
Significantly, the drone used for the cross-border smuggling was also recovered from Satpal Singh, underscoring his alleged key role in the technical aspect of the operation.
Heightened Vigilance and Continued Search
The Border Security Force played a crucial assisting role in the police-led operation. Following the arrests, a subsequent search was launched in the surrounding border area to ascertain if any other packets were dropped or if more individuals were involved in the racket. This incident underscores the increasing use of technology by smugglers to bypass traditional border security measures, making drone detection and interception a critical frontier for agencies like the BSF and state police.
The successful bust not only prevents a large quantity of deadly narcotics from reaching Indian streets but also exposes a sophisticated smuggling module exploiting the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan. It signals a robust collaborative response from security forces to this emerging aerial threat.
