850 kg heroin seized in 9 months: drug haul on Punjab border more than doubles9 ਮਹੀਨਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ 850 ਕਿਲੋ ਹੀਰੋਇਨ ਫੜ੍ਹੀ: ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਹੱਦ ਤੇ ਨਸ਼ਾ-ਬਰਾਮਦਗੀ ਦੁੱਗਣੇ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ

The Border Security Force (BSF) has recorded a sharp surge in narcotics recoveries along the Punjab frontier this year, with more than 850 kg of heroin smuggled from Pakistan seized so far — more than double the 415 kg recovered in 2025 and nearly three times the 283 kg seized in 2024, The Tribune reported.

Despite intensified counter-drone measures, unmanned aerial vehicles remained the preferred mode for cross-border smuggling. BSF recovered 182 drones till September-end this year, compared with around 290 in each of the previous two years.

Apart from heroin, the BSF seized around 14 kg of ICE (crystal methamphetamine) and 44 kg of opium this year. Opium seizures rose from 12 kg last year and 16 kg in 2024 to 44 kg this year.

Weapons trafficking also rising

Another notable trend has been the steady rise in trafficking of sophisticated weapons by cross-border networks. The BSF recovered 261 weapons, including assault rifles, this year, compared with about 200 in 2025 and just 36 in 2024. Recoveries of magazines climbed sharply to 390 this year from 286 last year and 47 in 2024.

Punjab Police officials said the consignments were intended for terror modules, gang networks and criminal syndicates operating in Punjab as well as other states.

Tactics changing, says BSF

Atul Fulzele, Inspector General of the BSF Punjab Frontier, said smuggling networks had altered their tactics this year, prompting security agencies to recalibrate their response.

“While we have launched a number of intelligence-based joint operations in the border belt, we have also expanded surveillance and enforcement up to 5-8 km inside the hinterland from the International Border,” Fulzele said. He added that counter-drone capabilities had been strengthened, the Punjab Police had deployed anti-drone systems, and human intelligence was being developed with the help of village defence committees.

Fulzele said coordination with agencies such as the Punjab Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau had been further strengthened to crack down on traffickers operating in border areas.

Recovery patterns showed that Amritsar and Tarn Taran continued to be the preferred infiltration corridors for Pakistan-based ISI-backed smuggling and terror networks, he said. However, the Ferozepur sector has also witnessed a significant increase in major seizures in recent months.

How much heroin has BSF seized on the Punjab border this year?

The BSF has seized more than 850 kg of heroin along the Punjab frontier so far this year — more than double the 415 kg recovered in 2025 and nearly three times the 283 kg seized in 2024, according to The Tribune.

How are drugs being smuggled across the border?

Drones remain the preferred mode for cross-border smuggling despite intensified counter-drone measures: 182 drones were recovered till September-end this year. The BSF has expanded surveillance 5-8 km inside the hinterland and strengthened coordination with the Punjab Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau.

Which sectors see the most smuggling?

BSF Punjab Frontier IG Atul Fulzele said Amritsar and Tarn Taran remain the preferred infiltration corridors for Pakistan-based smuggling and terror networks, while the Ferozepur sector has seen a significant rise in major seizures in recent months.