The BSF has neutralised 255 drones this year, which were dropped by Pakistan for smuggling heroin and weapons.
Addressing the media in Amritsar on Monday, BSF (Punjab Frontier) Inspector General Atul Fulzele said the BSF has strengthened surveillance in the wake of the foggy season ahead to check smuggling from across the border.
“Visibility decreases during the fog season, which can be exploited by smugglers using drones. We have made necessary arrangements to address this issue. Special surveillance equipment will be utilised during foggy conditions, and we will keep strict vigil in riverine areas, reinforcing our overall surveillance grid," Fulzele said.
He said the BSF has also recovered 329 kg of heroin, 16 kg of ice (methamphetamine), 191 weapons, 12 hand grenades and over 10 kg of explosives till November 14 this year. The BSF also neutralised three Pakistani intruders and apprehended 240 Indian smugglers and 19 Pakistani nationals involved in cross-border crimes.
He said BSF personnel would keep an eye on people approaching border areas to retrieve drone drop-offs from across the border. “Joint checks will be conducted by BSF troops and Punjab Police on roads leading to border areas to prevent smuggling. We do it every year,” the IG said.
Meanwhile, BSF troops recovered 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition near Muthiawala village of Ferozepur.
Also read: BSF foils multiple smuggling attempts in Punjab