In a major crackdown on cross-border narco-terrorism, Kathua Police have busted a Pakistan-based drone dropping syndicate and arrested four individuals from Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. This operation exposed a highly organized network involved in smuggling narcotics across the International Border using drones.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saxena. It began with a tip-off regarding a narcotic consignment dropped in Chhan Tanda village, Hiranagar, on July 29, 2025. Police teams, in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), swiftly recovered 447 grams of opium, leading to the registration of FIR No. 107/25 under sections 8/18/19 NDPS Act & 13 UAPA at PS Hiranagar.

The initial arrests included two couriers from Punjab: Sukhwinder Singh of Amritsar and Arshdeep Singh, also known as Raja, from Gurdaspur. Their role was to collect drone-dropped consignments and act as couriers. Authorities recovered 411 grams of heroin from their possession. Further investigation led to the arrest of Feroz Din alias Allu of Rajbagh, Kathua, a drug trafficker who was in direct contact with a handler based in Pakistan. The kingpin and financier of the syndicate, who was responsible for channeling the proceeds of narcotics to Pakistan through hawala, was arrested in Tarn Taran, Punjab. Heroin and cash were seized during these arrests.

Investigations revealed the syndicate had already facilitated the supply of over 30 kg of heroin in J&K and Punjab through drone drops. The accused are considered hardened criminals who have been evading law enforcement through a sophisticated and well-coordinated network.

In a separate operation under Police Post Nagri, Kathua, police arrested five more individuals linked to drug peddling and recovered heroin and cash.

According to a police spokesperson, this action reflects the Kathua Police's commitment to dismantling narco-terror networks operating along the border. Further investigations are ongoing, and more arrests and recoveries are anticipated in the coming days. Officials stated that the busting of this syndicate highlights Pakistan's continuous efforts to push drugs into India as part of a "narco-terror" strategy aimed at funding terrorism and destabilizing the region.