Punjab Police Constable in Anti-Drone Unit Arrested for Aiding Cross-Border Drug Smugglers

A Punjab police constable posted in the anti-drone unit has been arrested for allegedly helping cross-border traffickers clear over two dozen drug deliveries from Pakistan. The Narcotics Control Bureau arrested Karandeep Singh on October 15 after the Border Security Force intercepted him in Tarn Taran with 15 kg of high-grade heroin. Investigators say Karandeep used his official knowledge of anti-drone deployments in the district to guide smugglers to safe drop zones.

Investigation and Arrests

Karandeep confessed to interrogators that he struggled with a heroin addiction, which trafficking networks used to trap him through encrypted calls from Pakistan. He collected over two dozen consignments sent across the border since June and even applied for a personal arms license under the guise of receiving threats for busting drug cases. The local media also reported the arrest of his associate, Lakwinder Singh, a former sarpanch of Rajoke village who is now in NCB custody. Forensic analysis of recovered drones had previously shown flight paths near Lakwinder's house, though past searches by the BSF yielded no evidence.

Context

Cross-border drug trafficking using drones remains a major security challenge along India's western frontier, particularly in border districts of Punjab. Law enforcement agencies continue to target smuggling networks as part of broader national efforts to curb the narcotics trade.