In Punjab’s border districts, the heroin crisis is worsening significantly, largely due to the rising use of drones in smuggling operations. Picture: REUTERS/Naomi Tajitsu
In Punjab’s border districts, the heroin crisis is worsening significantly, largely due to the rising use of drones in smuggling operations.
This hi-tech method, reportedly supported by Pakistani state actors, has escalated what was once a serious issue into a full-blown epidemic.
Independent analyst Antariksh Singh emphasised the severity of the situation.
“The scale and sophistication of the smuggling operations suggest that this is no longer the work of small-time gangsters,” he said.
Singh said that drones, initially used for smuggling arms and cash, are now heavily involved in the drug crisis.
“Drones are dropping narcotics near the International Border, which has intensified addiction problems in these areas,” he added
Officials like Director-General of Police Gaurav Yadav have downplayed the extent of drug use, calling reports “anecdotal”.
However, Singh highlighted the reality.
“Pakistani smugglers use decoy drones to create diversions, making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to intercept the actual drug-carrying drones,” he said.
The efficiency of these smuggling operations is striking.
Smugglers co-ordinate through apps like WhatsApp, ensuring that heroin deliveries arrive via drone within hours.
Transactions are often conducted through the hawala system, complicating efforts to track and dismantle these networks.
“The simplicity of the smuggling process and the use of encrypted communication make it difficult for authorities to break the cycle,” Singh said.
The involvement of Pakistani state actors is evident in the sophistication of the operations.
He further said the sophistication of these operations indicates a well-coordinated effort, not just isolated criminal activities.
“Drones capable of carrying up to 15kg of heroin have contributed to a surge in drug availability, further harming communities in Punjab,” he added.
To address the crisis, Punjab police have formed Village Defence Committees to monitor and report drone activity.
Additionally, a Drone Emergency Response System using artificial intelligence has been introduced.
“The system’s effectiveness remains limited, and more proactive measures are urgently needed to combat this growing threat,” he said.
According to historic reports, drug smuggling in the region involved tunnels and rivers, but the advent of drones has added new challenges.
Singh further highlighted: “The arrival of drones has turned drug trafficking into a much more complex and dangerous issue.”
Despite some progress, including the seizure of nearly 100 drones in recent months and 107 drones in 2023 alone, the crisis persists.
Local carriers, who transport heroin to middlemen, further complicate enforcement efforts.
Singh added that until security agencies can catch the faceless middlemen and develop more effective countermeasures, the heroin crisis will continue to devastate Punjab.
“As the situation evolves, the battle is far from won, and until a comprehensive solution is found, Punjab remains on the front lines of a conflict that is growing more intricate by the day,” he said.
The Star
sipho.jack@inl.co.za
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