GPS trackers used in drone-based weapons and drugs smuggling in Punjab

It has come to light that GPS tracking devices are being used to traffic heroin and other narcotics via drones along the international border in Punjab. According to an NDTV report, these narcotics were being procured by a network of local operatives under the direction of foreign handlers. The Amritsar Rural Police, in a joint operation with central agencies and the Border Security Force (BSF), has busted multiple modules smuggling weapons and drugs.

The most important clue in this investigation came from 7.904 kilograms of heroin recovered near Avan Lakha Singh village along with a GPS tracking device found alongside it. The police suspect that this device was used to locate the exact drop site of the consignment sent via drones, enabling local operatives to easily retrieve it from the border area.

Investigations have revealed that this entire operation worked on a multi-layered pattern. In this network, handlers based abroad coordinated the supply and maintained contact with their local associates. Drones were used to send consignments from across the international border, while tracking technology helped receivers identify the drop location. Subsequently, local contacts would collect this contraband and arrange for its further distribution.

The police are currently conducting a deep probe into the matter. The recovery of the GPS tracker is just one part of the investigation. The police are now trying to find out who supplied this device, how it was being used, who was coordinating the drone drops, and where the seized consignment was ultimately supposed to be delivered.

The scope of this crackdown shows that this investigation is not limited to just a drug recovery. A total of seven people, including three minors, have been arrested by the police in this case. During the raids, the police recovered a large quantity of weapons and narcotics, which include one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher, two 9 mm Glock pistols, and 106 live cartridges.

Talking about narcotics, 7.904 kilograms of heroin, 5.152 kilograms of opium, and 2.3 kilograms of ICE (methamphetamine) have been seized by the police. In addition, one drone, a GPS tracking device, and five mobile phones have also been recovered. This incident has exposed a new and dangerous modus operandi of smuggling through the use of technology in border areas.