Jalandhar (The Stellar News): In a major breakthrough, Border Security Force troops successfully apprehended four Indian smugglers and seized a significant quantity of narcotics as well as arms and ammunition in a meticulously planned Intel- based operation along the International Boundary with Pakistan.
2. The operation unfolded following painstakingly developed intelligence for more than a week. Reconnaissance of the probable dropping spot was also done.
3. After thorough assessment and planning, operational teams of BSF laid an ambush in the suspected area on the evening of January 29, 2024.
4. Around 11:30 PM, the ambush party heard the suspected sound of a drone and observed three individuals moving towards a packet that was just dropped. Subsequently, three smugglers were swiftly apprehended, and a pistol & magazine with four rounds were found on them. The leader confessed to multiple drone sorties planned in collusion with Pak based smugglers. The arrest of these 4 smugglers led to the revelation of their other 2 associates who are absconding, and consistent efforts are being made to nab them as well.
5. With the approval of senior officials, the operation continued that had multiple successful drone sorties. The operation further revealed a video call exchange between the Indian smuggler and the Pakistani smuggler named Rana, contact number +66618728034, his brother, and another associate Saha (+923188137803), which indicated the smuggling of narcotics through drones. In the video call, Pak smuggler Rana instructed the Indian smuggler about handing over part of the consignment to a hinterland courier leading to the apprehension of one more courier and the seizure of additional narcotics and drug money. BSF will also pursue a strong case for an INTERPOL notice, in coordination with NCB, against Pakistani smuggler Rana, his brother, and Saha (the kingpins).
6. In total, the operation led to the apprehension of 4 smugglers, seizure of 9 packets of heroin, 1 packet of ICE (methamphetamine) both weighing 5.900 kg appx including packing material, 1 pistol, 4 rounds, Indian currency (Rs- 70,140/-), and one scooter.
7. Immediately after seizure, all seized items were handed to NCB, and The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is actively investigating the details and will subsequently share information with BSF. BSF will leverage the information to find other people involved in it.
8. This meticulously planned and executed operation by the BSF Intelligence teams under the guidance of Punjab Frontier Hqrs BSF demonstrates the commitment of BSF in curbing cross-border smuggling activities though drones. BSF is committed to taking all possible measures to limit the use of drugs, as it has always done in the past, and make Punjab drug-free with the support of people and sister agencies.
