Punjab Newsline | Pathankot
A packet containing around half a kilogram of heroin was recovered from a farmer’s field in Pathankot’s Paharipur village, located barely one kilometre from the India-Pakistan border, triggering a probe by security agencies into a suspected cross-border smuggling attempt.
According to officials, the suspicious packet was discovered around 10 am on Thursday by Ajit Ram, a resident of Paharipur village. He had gone to inspect his crop when he noticed a yellow packet wrapped in adhesive tape lying in the field.
Suspecting that the package could contain narcotics or even weapons, Ajit Ram immediately informed the Border Security Force (BSF) and the local police. Security personnel rushed to the spot and took the packet into custody.
Upon examination, the packet was found to contain approximately 500 grams of heroin. Initial investigations suggest that the consignment may have been dropped in the field by a drone operating from across the border.
The recovered heroin has been handed over to the police for further investigation. Authorities are now trying to determine how the consignment entered Indian territory and who was supposed to receive it.
Police officials said they are exploring all angles, including possible links to local smugglers and cross-border drug trafficking networks. The field where the packet was found had reportedly been taken on lease for cultivation, and the farmer had reached the site as part of his routine visit to check the crop.
Pathankot and other border districts of Punjab have witnessed several incidents in the past involving drones used to smuggle narcotics, weapons and other contraband from across the border. Security agencies suspect that cross-border smuggling networks may once again be attempting to revive their operations in the region.
Further investigation is underway.
