The J&K drone smuggling network allegedly used to bring weapons and drugs across the India-Pakistan International Border has been uncovered by police in Jammu district, with three people arrested in connection with the case. A pistol, two magazines, four live rounds, 500 grams of heroin and 500 grams of opium were reportedly recovered during the operation in the Arnia area.
According to police sources, the accused allegedly received two consignments that were dropped with the help of drones. Investigators suspect the arrested individuals were in contact with handlers based in Pakistan.
Weapons and Narcotics Recovered in Arnia
The operation resulted in the recovery of a pistol along with two magazines and four live rounds. Police also recovered 500 grams each of heroin and opium.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act. Further investigation is underway to establish the wider network and identify other individuals who may be connected to the alleged smuggling operation.
The use of drones in the alleged operation highlights the challenge posed by aerial delivery of contraband along the border, where consignments can potentially be dropped without a direct physical crossing.
Development Comes Days After LeT Commander Was Killed
The arrests come days after the Army killed Mohd Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, in a high-altitude operation in Yousmarg in Budgam district of central Kashmir.
Moosa was identified as the chief operational commander of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the region and was described as one of the masterminds of the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
According to a Union Home Ministry statement issued on September 30, the killing meant that four senior LeT commanders operating in Jammu and Kashmir since 2022 had been neutralised.
Those commanders were linked by authorities to several attacks, including incidents at Halan, DKG, Kandi, Shahsitar, Shiv Khori, Gagangir, Bootapathri and Baisaran.
The latest drone-smuggling case is now being investigated as police work to determine the full extent of the alleged Pakistan-linked network.
Relevant Link: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
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