Rai emphasized that the concentration of these air-drop operations underscores the severity of the challenge facing the state.
Drone-based drug smuggling has emerged as a major national security threat, with Punjab turning into the most severely impacted border state in recent years. Addressing the Rajya Sabha in a written response, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai highlighted that cross-border syndicates are increasingly relying on advanced technologies to transport contraband, weapons, and ammunition into India.
The government revealed that cross-border networks are heavily utilizing drones, GPS-enabled payloads, encrypted communications, and localized receiver networks. Out of 305 drone-related narcotics smuggling incidents recorded across the country in 2025, a striking 298 occurred along the Punjab border alone. These operations led to the seizure of roughly 460 kilograms of narcotics, including 448 kilograms of heroin.
Rai emphasized that the concentration of these air-drop operations underscores the severity of the challenge facing the state. To combat this evolving threat, the central government is providing comprehensive support to strengthen border security. Measures include deploying advanced anti-drone systems, installing high-definition CCTV networks, reinforcing border fencing with newer designs, and setting up powerful floodlights along vulnerable patches.
Beyond aerial smuggling, investigation by the Narcotics Control Bureau revealed that syndicates are increasingly using digital platforms. Smugglers in Punjab and neighboring states rely heavily on encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, and Zangi to coordinate operations secretly.
Additionally, the state anti-drug task force reported that traffickers are actively using cryptocurrencies and virtual digital assets to transfer funds and conceal transaction records. Authorities noted that these digital channels make identifying real senders and receivers exceedingly difficult, adding another layer to the enforcement challenge.
