Fazilka, 30 June (H.S.): Security forces have once again foiled a suspected cross-border smuggling attempt near the India-Pakistan border in Jalalabad area of Fazilka district. After drone movement was detected along the border, Punjab Police and the Border Security Force launched a joint search operation and recovered a heroin consignment.

According to officials, around 1 kg 170 grams of heroin was recovered from fields near village Jodha Bhaini. The consignment is believed to have been dropped inside Indian territory through a drone. Radium tape was found pasted on the packet, apparently to help local smugglers locate it easily in the dark.

Jalalabad Sadar police station SHO Jugraj Singh said a police team was on patrol in the area when BSF officials informed them about suspicious movement of a Pakistani drone near the border. Acting swiftly, police and BSF personnel sealed the area and launched a search operation.

The search continued for nearly two and a half hours in the fields. During the operation, the teams found an unclaimed packet. On checking it, 1 kg 170 grams of high-quality heroin was recovered.

SHO Jugraj Singh said the heroin consignment has been taken into police custody. A case has been registered against unknown smugglers under the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway.

Police officials said efforts are being made to identify the local network that was supposed to receive the consignment on the directions of Pakistan-based smugglers. Officials claimed that the local smuggling chain will be exposed soon.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH