JAISALMER: Security agencies foiled a major cross-border narcotics smuggling attempt along the India–Pakistan international border in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, recovering 6.462 kg of heroin dropped by drones from across the border. One smuggler from Punjab has been arrested, while two others managed to escape.According to officials, smugglers based in Pakistan have been repeatedly attempting to send narcotics, weapons and ammunition into Indian territory using drones. Acting on specific intelligence, personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Rajasthan Police carried out a joint search operation in the Sameja Kothi police station area of Sri Ganganagar district near the international border on Monday.During the operation, security teams recovered a large consignment of heroin that had been dropped by a drone from across the border. A total of eight packets of heroin weighing 6.462 kg were seized. Officials estimate the international market value of the recovered heroin to be around ?32 crore.Superintendent of Police, Sri Ganganagar, Amrita Duhan, said the BSF had shared inputs about a possible cross-border drug drop on Sunday night. Acting on the information, a police team led by probationary Deputy Superintendent of Police Priyanshi launched a search operation in coordination with BSF personnel across the border villages.During the search, the team recovered a packet containing eight sealed packets of heroin in the border area near 43 PS village under the Sameja Kothi police station limits. The seized contraband weighed 6.462 kg.Police also arrested Simarjeet Singh (36), son of Guru Dayal Singh, a resident of Pamba Badu village in Jalalabad tehsil of Punjab’s Fazilka district, who had allegedly come to collect the consignment. A case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the law.Station House Officer of Sameja Kothi Police Station and probationary DSP Priyanshi said police had received information from the BSF about heroin smuggling from across the border. Acting on the tip-off, police teams conducted a joint overnight search operation with BSF personnel across the border area and made the recovery on Monday morning.Officials said two other suspected smugglers accompanying the accused managed to flee, and search operations are underway to trace them.Sources said the heroin packets were dropped late at night in a mustard field between Chak 43 and 44 PS villages by two drones sent from Pakistan, each carrying four packets. A local farmer reportedly heard the sound of a heavy object falling in the field and noticed suspicious movement nearby. He immediately alerted BSF personnel stationed at a nearby border post.BSF troops quickly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, during which one suspect was apprehended while hiding in the mustard crop. The seized packets were wrapped in yellow plastic sheets and tightly sealed with adhesive tape.During preliminary interrogation, Simarjeet Singh allegedly revealed that he had arrived in the border area with two associates in a car to collect the heroin consignment.Security agencies are continuing their investigation in coordination with the BSF, while extensive search operations are underway to apprehend the absconding suspects.
