New Delhi: Amid frequent Pakistani drone movements under fog cover, the Border Security Force (BSF) has increased its vigilance near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, where there are more and more attempts by smugglers to push drugs and weapons through drones, reported news agency PTI.
In the wake of thick fog covering the area, drone movements from across the border to bring drugs and weapons into Indian territory have increased significantly in recent days.
A senior agency official stated, "We have increased patrolling and 'nakas' (checkpoints) and BSF (Border Security Force) personnel are alert to thwart any bid by smugglers."
This year, over 200 Pakistani drones were observed moving near the international border, according to a Punjab Police official.
Because of the thick fog, the officials said that smugglers had increased their activities along the international border.
BSF troops are relying on the buzzing noise to stop Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicles because the fog makes it nearly impossible to see.
According to a BSF official, personnel have killed eight drones, including hexacopters with six rotors, near border areas in just one month.
He stated that the Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Fazilka districts have seen frequent drone movements, particularly at night and in the early morning.
Also Read: Dense Fog Likely In These Northern States For Next 24 Hours, Met Department Warns Of Health Hazards
Additionally, the smugglers have begun covering the drones' lights with adhesive tape to prevent detection.
He stated that earlier this month, BSF troops located 25 kilograms of heroin, a pistol, and 50 rounds of ammunition that had allegedly been dropped by a Pakistani drone near the border in Fazilka.
Other methods are also being used by smugglers to bring drugs into the country.
Around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, the BSF found another 25 kg of suspected heroin in a Fazilka farming field.
After observing some activity near the Gatti Ajaib Singh village on both sides of the border fence, the troops were made aware.
Before the border fence, BSF troops opened fire on Pakistani smugglers. Nonetheless, the bootleggers figured out how to take off exploiting the thick mist.
Another BSF official stated that 25 suspected heroin packets and a PVC pipe were later discovered during a search of the area.
(With PTI Inputs)