KATHUA: In a major breakthrough against cross-border narco-terror activities, Kathua Police has unearthed a Pakistan-based drone dropping syndicate and arrested four accused from Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab.
The crackdown has exposed a highly organized network involved in smuggling narcotics via drones across the International Border.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saxena (IPS). Acting on a tip-off regarding a narcotic consignment dropped in village Chhan Tanda, Hiranagar on July 29, 2025, police teams in coordination with BSF swiftly recovered 447 grams of opium. An FIR No. 107/25 under sections 8/18/19 NDPS Act & 13 UAPA was registered at PS Hiranagar and investigation was initiated.
Arrests & Recoveries
- Two couriers from Punjab — Sukhwinder Singh of Amritsar and Arshdeep Singh alias Raja of Gurdaspur — were the first to be arrested. Their role was to pick up drone consignments and act as couriers. From their possession, 411 grams of heroin was recovered.
- On their disclosure, drug trafficker Feroz Din alias Allu of Rajbagh, Kathua was arrested. He was in direct touch with a Pakistan-based handler.
- Further investigation led to the arrest of the syndicate’s kingpin/financier from Tarn Taran, Punjab, who was responsible for channeling the proceeds of narcotics to Pakistan through hawala. Heroin and cash were seized during the arrests.
Scale of Operations
Investigations have revealed that the syndicate had already facilitated the supply of over 30 kg of heroin in J&K and Punjab through drone drops. The accused are hardcore criminals who had been evading law enforcement by running a sophisticated, well-coordinated network.
Other Action Against Drug Peddlers
In a separate case under Police Post Nagri, Kathua, police arrested five accused linked to drug peddling and recovered heroin and cash.
Official Statement
A police spokesperson stated:
“This stringent action against drone dropping and drug trafficking reflects the relentless resolve of Kathua Police to dismantle narco-terror networks operating along the border. Further investigation is underway, and more arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days.”
