NEW DELHI: The Border Security Force (BSF) reported a substantial increase in the seizure of drones along the western border with Pakistan in 2023. A total of 119 drones were shot down and recovered, marking a more than five-fold surge from the 22 drones seized in 2022. Of these, 108 were retrieved in Punjab, and 11 in Rajasthan.
While the BSF deployed anti-drone systems for heightened surveillance, the actual drone activity remains higher, with 400-500 drone sightings reported in 2023. Traffickers, adapting to anti-drone measures, shifted tactics, flying smaller drones with lighter payloads.
Rajasthan witnessed a four-fold increase in drug seizures along the western border, totaling 841 kg. The BSF also apprehended 282 individuals on the Indo-Pakistan border, compared to 210 in 2022.
Key Statistics:
– Drones Seized: 119 (2023) | 22 (2022)
– Narcotics Seized: 841 kg (Western Border)
– Apprehended Individuals: 5,492 (Indo-Bangladesh Border)
– Arms Seized: 57 (Indo-Pakistan Border)
– FICN Seized: Rs 20.1 lakh (Indo-Bangladesh Border)
The surge in drone seizures underscores the persistent challenge of cross-border smuggling activities. An indigenous anti-drone system is expected to be installed along the western border in the next six months.
