JAMMU — Security forces on Saturday foiled a major cross-border narcotics smuggling attempt along the International Border with the seizure of over 6.5 kg of heroin worth over Rs 40 crore in the R S Pura sector, officials said, adding that the consignment was dropped by a drone from Pakistan.
The contraband was recovered during a joint operation of the 165th battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) and police from Nai Basti Karotana village in the Baspur area, following information about a drone dropping material from across the border, they said.
Police received information about the suspected drone movement on the intervening night of February 13 and 14, a spokesperson said.
Two yellow-coloured packets containing 6.582 kg heroin were found in fields near the International Border during the search and subsequently seized, he said, terming the recovery a “significant achievement” on the anti-drug trafficking front.
A case under relevant sections of the NDPS Act was registered, and further investigation is underway to trace the exact source and destination of the recovered contraband, he said, adding that a breakthrough is expected as the probe progresses.
Police urged citizens, especially those residing near the International Border, to come forward with any information regarding illegal drug activities in their localities.
“With continued public cooperation, sincere efforts are being made to build a drug-free and crime-free society,” the spokesperson said.
The recovery comes a day after police arrested two people for allegedly smuggling heroin from Pakistan using a drone in border areas of Kathua district.
Jatin, a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, and Danish Dogra alias Sajan of Jakhbar in Kathua, were arrested in connection with a case related to drone-dropping near Nagri and the recovery of 150 grams of heroin.
The duo was in touch with a Pakistan-based smuggler through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls. — (PTI)