Drones and Drugs: A Rising Threat to India's Borders

The use of drones for drug smuggling from Pakistan to India has surged, posing a significant threat to India's internal security, especially in Punjab. The Narcotics Control Bureau's 2024 report highlights a six-fold increase in synthetic drug seizures since 2019 and a dramatic rise in cocaine confiscations.

In a concerning development, the use of drones for narcotics smuggling across the India-Pakistan border has surged sharply, posing a serious threat to India's internal security, notably in Punjab, according to a recent report. The trend represents a shift from traditional smuggling methods, complicating efforts for law enforcement and border security.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) flagged a six-fold increase in synthetic drug seizures from 2019-2024. Released during the national conference of anti-narcotics task forces, the report indicates that India is grappling with a growing drug crisis fueled by high-profit margins and market demand.

Drone-related seizures rose to 179 cases in 2024 from just three in 2021. Meanwhile, cocaine confiscations have also skyrocketed, with 1,483 kgs seized in 2024, marking a significant increase compared to recent years, highlighting the urgent need for robust anti-drug strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)