Jaipur: An increasing trend of arms smuggling along the sensitive international border areas of Rajasthan has raised significant security concerns following the latest drone drop incident in Bikaner district.The drone, which is believed to be operated from Pakistan, dropped nearly Rs 50 crore worth of heroin alongside 11 foreign-made pistols in the early hours of Saturday. Police authorities said the drone made at least four sorties to release the contraband payload, suggesting a meticulously planned operation aimed at testing new infiltration routes amid heightened surveillance along traditional smuggling corridors.Inspector General of Police (Bikaner range) Om Prakash confirmed the drone’s repeated movements, leading investigators to suspect an organised cross-border operation rather than a mere isolated incident.Following the drop, Bikaner police arrested one suspect and seized the cache, which included semi-automatic pistols and ammunition—firearms that are illegal in India and are feared to be intended for criminal or terror-related activities.“This operation is indicative of Pakistan-based narco-terror outfits collaborating with local operatives to exploit Bikaner as an alternative corridor for smuggling narcotics and arms into Punjab, especially as security forces have tightened their grip on routes in Sriganganagar,” a police officer said. He emphasised that authorities had been monitoring such gang activities closely, which contributed to the arrest of the accused involved.Previous incidents lend credence to these concerns, as another drone drop occurred in April, when the courier responsible for the operation was arrested after his scooter overturned while transporting the drugs. This history has prompted Bikaner police to intensify its mapping of smuggling networks, including couriers and local handlers operating within the border district.The scale of the problem is alarming. Between Feb and Aug this year, police data revealed that Bikaner range, including the districts of Bikaner and Sriganganagar, seized a total of 18 foreign-made pistols, indicating a disturbing influx of illegal firearms. In the wider Bikaner Range, which encompasses Hanumangarh and Churu also, nearly 250 individuals have been arrested under the Arms Act, resulting in the confiscation of 223 firearms during the same timeframe.
