Jammu, February 14 A major attempt to smuggle narcotics across the border was thwarted along the International Border on Saturday, with the seizure of over 6.5 kg of heroin worth over Rs 40 crore in the RS Pura sector here, officials said.
The contraband was recovered during a joint operation by the 165th battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the police from Nai Basti Karotana village in Baspur area, following information about a drone dropping materials from across the border, they said.
Police received information about the suspected drone movement on the intervening night of February 13 and 14, a spokesperson said.
Two yellow packets, each containing 6.582 kg of heroin, were found in fields near the International Border during the search, and were subsequently seized, which officials termed as a "significant achievement" in the fight against drug trafficking.
A case under the relevant section of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered, and further investigation is underway to trace the exact source and destination of the recovered contraband, he added, stating that a breakthrough is expected as the investigation progresses.
Police urged citizens, especially those residing near the International Border, to come forward with any information regarding illegal drug activities in their localities.
"With continued public cooperation, sincere efforts are being made to build a drug-free and crime-free society," the spokesperson said.
The recovery comes a day after police arrested two individuals for allegedly smuggling heroin from Pakistan using a drone in the border areas of Kathua district.
Jatin, a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, and Danish Dogra alias Sajan of Jakhbar in Kathua, were arrested in connection with a case related to drone-dropping near Nagri and the recovery of 150 grams of heroin.
The duo was in contact with a Pakistani smuggler through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.
