How does winter fog affect the Punjab-Pakistan border?

Winter fog reduces visibility, creating opportunities for Pakistan-based smugglers to push narcotics and arms into India.

What technology is used to counter drone smuggling on the Punjab border?

Security forces utilize anti-drone grids, enhanced surveillance technology, and trained sniffer dogs to detect and intercept drones.

What has the BSF recovered from the Punjab border recently?

Recently, the BSF recovered drones and significant quantities of heroin, indicating ongoing smuggling attempts.

Home / War and Conflict / Fog Fuels Border Smuggling: Drones Deliver Drugs and Arms

Fog Fuels Border Smuggling: Drones Deliver Drugs and Arms

21 Dec

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Summary

Winter fog in Punjab provides cover for Pakistan-based smugglers.
Drones are the preferred tool for cross-border smuggling of drugs and arms.
BSF enhances surveillance and technology to counter fog-aided smuggling.

Fog Fuels Border Smuggling: Drones Deliver Drugs and Arms

Each winter, dense fog blankets Punjab, transforming the 553-kilometer Indo-Pak border into a zone of heightened tension. Pakistan-based smugglers, often supported by the ISI, strategically leverage this seasonal phenomenon to push narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory. Reduced visibility due to prolonged fog provides an ideal cover for cross-border infiltration and drone-based smuggling operations.

In recent years, drones have become the primary method for such illicit trade. These low-flying, GPS-enabled drones are launched from Pakistan, often under the cover of darkness, to airdrop consignments. While fog was initially seen as a natural shield, security forces have adapted, enhancing surveillance with intensified foot patrols, observation towers, and specially trained sniffer dogs capable of detecting contraband.