Bikaner Police have foiled a cross-border drone smuggling operation near the India-Pakistan border, seizing around 10 kg of heroin worth an estimated Rs 50 crore along with 11 automatic weapons, 22 magazines and over 100 rounds of ammunition.
The recovery was made during a joint operation by the Bikaner District Special Team (DST), the Cyber Cell and local police late on Friday night in the border area.
According to police, the contraband and weapons had been dropped inside Indian territory by drones allegedly operated by smugglers based in Pakistan. Investigators are now trying to identify others linked to the network.
A man identified as Virendra Singh, a resident of Jodhpur, was detained from the spot while allegedly attempting to collect the consignment. He is being questioned, and police said efforts are underway to trace other members of the smuggling syndicate.
Bikaner Range Inspector General Om Prakash said the operation was the second major success after a similar crackdown on February 27. He credited the coordinated efforts of intelligence agencies, police personnel and local residents for helping curb cross-border smuggling activities.
IG Om Prakash said the seizure was particularly significant ahead of Independence Day, as it may have prevented a major terror or criminal incident. He added that timely police action had helped foil what appeared to be a larger conspiracy.
Police said search operations in the border region are still underway and more recoveries or arrests are possible as the investigation progresses. The seized heroin, weapons and ammunition are being examined as part of the probe.
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(Inputs by Ravi Vishnoi)
