Punjab to deploy anti-drone tech to tackle cross-border drug trafficking

DGP Gaurav Yadav accused Pakistan of waging a proxy war by supporting smuggling networks, asserting that all attempts to destabilize India have failed as key networks were dismantled and each incident traced to its source

The Punjab government is set to deploy a state-of-the-art anti-drone system by September or October this year, in a bid to curb the growing threat of drug and arms smuggling from across the Pakistan border, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced.

Addressing the media in Chandigarh, DGP Yadav confirmed that successful trials of the system have already been conducted along the Indo-Pak border. The technology will be installed along the second line of defence in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Testing is complete, and we've held strategic discussions with the MHA. The anti-drone setup will be operational by early October to reinforce border security and intercept aerial smuggling attempts,” Yadav said.

This move follows the Punjab government’s earlier announcement in March that it would deploy anti-drone technology to combat the increasing use of drones by cross-border syndicates to deliver narcotics, weapons, and explosives.

5,500 recruits to aid crackdown

To strengthen ground-level enforcement, Yadav said the state is moving forward with the recruitment of 5,500 home guards. This addition aims to boost the state's second-tier defence infrastructure, especially in vulnerable areas near the international border.

Yadav also highlighted a proposal under active review to set up 30 exclusive courts to handle cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. “With high court approval, the state is ready to invest ₹22.8 crore annually to operationalize these dedicated courts,” he said.

As part of the state’s intensified crackdown on narcotics, over 4,600 FIRs have been registered since March 1, leading to 7,414 arrests. Seized contraband includes 297 kg of heroin, 10,000 kg of poppy husk, 153 kg of opium, and ₹8 crore in cash. Police have also mapped 755 drug hotspots across the state.

Yadav further accused Pakistan of waging a “proxy war” against India by aiding smuggling networks. “Their attempts to destabilize us have failed. We've busted key networks and traced every incident back to its source,” he asserted.