Pakistan back to its dirty tricks after Op Sindoor pause, restarts drone drug drops deeper into Punjab

After remaining largely inactive following Operation Sindoor, Pakistani drug smugglers have resumed cross-border activity, now employing more powerful drones capable of evading Border Security Force (BSF) detection. These upgraded drones are flying deeper into Indian territory with increased accuracy, presenting renewed challenges for border security.

“Post Op Sindoor, there was a temporary lull in cross-border drone intrusions. However, these activities have now resumed with greater precision as Pakistani smugglers are deploying drones that penetrate deeper into Indian territory to drop drugs, arms and ammunition,” BSF Deputy Inspector General AK Vidyarthi was quoted by TOI.

Drone incursions now reaching further inland

Sources reported to TOI that earlier drone drops were typically within one kilometre of the international border. Recently, drones have been observed flying 2 to 2.5 kilometres or more inside Indian territory, significantly increasing the risk zone.

Tactics include high-altitude flights and evasive flight paths

To avoid detection near the border, drone pilots fly at higher altitudes before descending into Indian airspace. Once inside, they follow zigzag routes to evade radar and surveillance. Drones are sometimes deliberately crashed after deliveries to avoid retrieval, sources told TOI.

Broader focus of Operation Sindoor temporarily reduced smuggling

“During Op Sindoor, priorities were broader — it wasn’t just about curbing cross-border smuggling but more about preventing drone and missile attacks,” a source was reported by TOI as saying. The decline in smuggling then was partly due to the lack of local operatives on the Indian side to retrieve consignments.

Technological gap hampers Indian response

According to TOI, Pakistani smugglers have upgraded to more advanced Chinese drones, while India’s anti-drone systems remain limited. Detection relies mainly on sound or visual spotting, prompting anti-drone teams to intervene. Effective interceptors, capable of tracking drone details in real time, are not yet widely deployed.

Increased BSF patrols push drones deeper inside

India Following Operation Sindoor, intensified BSF patrolling has made near-border drops difficult. Smugglers now send drones deeper into Indian territory, placing receivers farther from patrols and reducing chances of detection.

(With inputs from TOI)