Punjab Drone Smuggling has become a growing security concern as criminal networks use drones to move illegal goods across the India-Pakistan border. A major operation by Amritsar Rural Police, conducted on November 10 and 11, 2026, exposed the scale of this challenge. Working with central agencies and the Border Security Force (BSF), the police dismantled cross-border smuggling networks and arrested seven people, including three minors.

The operation led to the recovery of 7.904 kg of heroin, firearms, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a drone and GPS tracking devices. These recoveries show how drug and weapons smuggling can involve different types of equipment and organised networks. The presence of GPS trackers has also drawn attention to the technology associated with these activities. However, the available details do not confirm whether the seized tracking devices were fitted to the recovered drone.

November 2026 Operation Exposes Smuggling Network

The November operation highlights the importance of cooperation between state police, central agencies and border security forces. Smuggling networks can involve people operating on different sides of the international border, making investigations and intelligence sharing important.

Investigations into drone-based smuggling have pointed to foreign-based handlers, often located in Pakistan, coordinating with local operatives in India. Drones can carry illegal goods across border areas without requiring smugglers to physically cross the border.

The recovery of heroin, firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher in the latest operation also shows that the threat is not limited to narcotics. The movement of weapons and explosives creates additional security risks for border communities and law enforcement agencies.

Why Punjab Faces a Drone Smuggling Challenge

Punjab shares an international border of approximately 553 kilometres with Pakistan. This long border creates a difficult area for security agencies to monitor continuously.

Drones have changed the way smugglers attempt to move illegal goods. Small unmanned aircraft can fly over border areas, drop packages and return without being easily detected. Heroin, weapons and explosives are among the items linked to these activities.

Some advanced drones may use satellite communication, autonomous navigation and other systems that make them harder to track. Certain platforms can also be less affected by traditional countermeasures that depend mainly on disrupting radio-frequency or GPS signals.

These developments have increased the need for modern detection systems, better surveillance and stronger coordination between security agencies.

Punjab’s Second Line of Defence Against Drones

Punjab Police and the BSF are using a technology-based approach to identify and counter unauthorised drone movements. This additional layer of protection is often described as a second line of defence.

One measure involves aerial checkpoints known as “Hawai Nakas”. These are intended to help detect and respond to drone activity in vulnerable areas.

Security teams also use drone detection and jamming equipment. Detection systems identify aerial objects, while suitable countermeasures can disrupt their communication or navigation. Punjab Police also uses surveillance drones to monitor areas where unauthorised flights have been reported.

BSF personnel stationed along the international border have access to portable interception equipment. These tools support security teams in responding to suspicious aerial activity.

Baaj Akh and Other Anti-Drone Systems

Punjab has introduced dedicated anti-drone technology to strengthen border surveillance. One important system is Baaj Akh, meaning “Hawk’s Eye”. Launched in August 2025, it initially had three units operating in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur.

The initial units cost approximately ₹53 crore and provide early detection and jamming support across a vulnerable 210-kilometre stretch.

Another system mentioned in Punjab’s counter-drone efforts is the Drone Sense D200 Pro. In early September 2026, Punjab Police deployed three additional long-endurance mobile platforms at strategic locations in border districts.

Nine anti-drone systems form the core of the police effort, while further installations were expected after successful trials. The planned systems are designed to detect flying objects within a 10-kilometre radius.

The AI-powered Indrajaal autonomous defence system is another technology associated with protection along India’s western border. Its mobile capabilities include drone spoofing and jamming.

Drone Forensics and Intelligence Sharing

Detecting a drone is only one part of countering smuggling. Security agencies also need to understand where it came from, how it was operated and where it dropped its cargo.

A dedicated drone forensics laboratory in Amritsar examines recovered drones and their technical information. Investigators study flight logs, possible launch points and drop patterns to identify routes and operating methods.

According to the supplied report, more than 1,200 drones intercepted in Punjab since 2024 have been analysed. Such investigations can help agencies understand repeated patterns and identify links between different smuggling incidents.

Coordination between security forces is also important. In August 2026, senior officials from the Army, BSF and Punjab Police met to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve the use of counter-drone systems.

Drone Recoveries and Drug Enforcement in Punjab

The number of recovered drones and the quantity of seized heroin show the continuing scale of the problem.

Between 2025 and July 27, 2026, security forces recovered 474 drones and approximately 777 kg of heroin along the Punjab border. During the first seven months of 2026, authorities recovered 161 drones and around 392 kg of heroin. By mid-September 2026, cumulative drone recoveries had reached 486.

In October 2026, a joint operation by the BSF and Punjab Police in Ferozepur district recovered nearly 10 kg of heroin dropped by a drone.

Punjab Police is also taking action against wider drug networks through its Yudh Nashiyan Virudh campaign. Since its launch on March 1, 2025, the campaign has led to nearly 80,000 arrests, according to the supplied report.

The police also offers a reward of ₹25,000 for each recovered drone to encourage public participation in identifying and reporting such equipment.

More Anti-Drone Systems Planned

Punjab Police has requested ₹175 crore from the central government to purchase 17 additional anti-drone systems in the next financial year. The proposed procurement is intended to expand surveillance and interception capacity along vulnerable border areas.

The growing use of drones by smuggling networks means that border security now involves more than traditional ground patrols. Security agencies must combine aerial monitoring, technical detection, intelligence sharing, forensic investigation and action against local criminal networks.

The November 2026 operation in Amritsar Rural has again brought attention to this changing challenge. The recovery of drugs, weapons, a drone and GPS tracking devices underlines why technology and coordinated enforcement remain important for protecting Punjab’s border areas.