Lok Sabha Question No. 4460 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-28
Subject: Smuggling of Arms and Narcotics
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4460

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2023/ CHAITRA 7, 1945 (SAKA)

SMUGGLING OF ARMS AND NARCOTICS

4460.  SHRIMATI HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  smuggling  of  arms  and narcotics  is  rampantly  being  deployed  through  Drones  from  Pakistan through Punjab border;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the number of incidents that have so far been detected by the Government;

(c) whether the Government has made any assessment or report to gauge the  gravity  of  the  types  of  smuggling  being  carried  out  through  Drones through India Pakistan borders and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the steps that the Government have taken so far in this regard; and

(e) the steps that the Government proposes to take to prevent smuggling of arms and narcotics etc. through Drones?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NISITH PRAMANIK)

(a)  to (c):  Anti-national elements/smugglers are using drones for smuggling of Arms/Narcotics across India-Pakistan border in Punjab State. In  last  three  years till  28 th   Feb  2023, 28 incidents of recovery of drones involved in smuggling of Arms/Narcotics have been detected. From these drones,  125.174 Kgs  Heroin,  0.100 Kgs  Opium,  9 mm Pistol-01  No., Pistol/Revolver-07 Nos, Magazines-14 Nos, Ammunition 132 Rds, Detonator- 06 Nos  and other explosives 4.750 Kgs were recovered.

## L.S. USQ. NO. 4460 FOR 28.03.2023

(d)  &  (e)  :    Steps  taken  by  the  Government  in  this  regard  include  the following:-

- i. Effective domination of the borders being done by BSF by carrying out round the clock surveillance of the border, viz. patrolling, laying nakas, manning observation posts all along the International Border.
- ii. Erection of Border Fence on the International Border.
- iii. Installation  of  Border  Flood  lights  along  Border  Security  Fence  to light up the area during hours of darkness.
- iv. Strengthening  of  intelligence  network  and  coordination  with  other security agencies.
- v. Detailed vulnerability mapping has been carried out along Indo-Pak border including Punjab State to strengthen surveillance by deploying  vehicles  and  additional  special  surveillance  equipments. Integrated Surveillance technology equipped with CCTV/PTZ Cameras, IR sensors and infrared alarm with Command and Control system have also been installed at international border.
- vi. Anti-drone systems have been deployed in border areas of Punjab to counter  the  drone  threats.    Further,  an  anti-rogue  drone  SOP  has been formulated and circulated to field units and is being followed.

## L.S. USQ. NO. 4460 FOR 28.03.2023

- vii. Local  police  is  immediately  informed  as  soon  any  such  drone movement is observed for search in interior areas. Depth Nakas are regularly laid in suspected dropping zones of drone.
- viii. The general public in border areas have been sensitized and made aware of such UAV/Drone activities, their likely security implications and are encouraged to inform about any such activities in the rear areas to BSF as well as the local police.
- ix. MHA  has  established  Anti  Rogue  Drone  Technology  Committee (ARDTC) under supervision of DG BSF with mandate to evaluate the technology available to counter rogue drone and certify its effectiveness in dealing with rouge drones.
- x. BSF is in process of procurement of more anti-drone systems to be installed in Punjab on Indo-Pakistan border for which trials are going on.

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