Lok Sabha Question No. 1900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-01
Subject: Smuggling of Arms and Narcotics
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Sukhbir Singh Badal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1900

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 1 ST  AUGUST, 2023/ SRAVANA 10, 1945 (SAKA)

SMUGGLING OF ARMS AND NARCOTICS

1900. SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH 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  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;

(d) if so, the steps the Government has taken so far in this regard; and

(e) the other steps 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 the State of Punjab. In last three years and  till 30 th  June, 2023, 53 incidents of recovery of drones involved in smuggling of Arms/Narcotics have been detected.

## L.S.USQ No. 1900 FOR 01.08.2023

- (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  IndoPakistan border including State of Punjab 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. 1900 FOR 01.08.2023

- 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 drones and certify its effectiveness in dealing with rouge drones.

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