Security agencies have intercepted a major arms smuggling attempt near the Indo-Pakistan International Border in Punjab’s Amritsar district. The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police arrested a 22-year-old suspect and recovered a large cache of weapons allegedly dropped through drones.
Officials identified the accused as Rohan Khosla, a resident of Roop Nagar Colony in Amritsar. Teams caught him near Harar Khurd village on the Ajnala-Ramdas road during a coordinated operation based on specific intelligence inputs.
Intelligence Input Triggers Operation
The BSF intelligence wing received information about a suspected drone delivery near Border Outpost Shahpur in the Ramdas area. After that, BSF and SSOC Amritsar teams set up multiple checkpoints across the route.
Officers monitored movement in the area through the evening. They intercepted a Hyundai i20 near a poultry farm close to National Highway 354 at around 9.30 pm. The car carried registration number PB02EJ2347.
Weapons Hidden Inside Vehicle
During questioning, the driver failed to explain his presence in the sensitive border zone. Security personnel then searched the vehicle and recovered three plastic bags.
The seizure included one AK-47 assault rifle and 25 pistols of foreign manufacture. The pistols included brands such as Glock, Zigana, Taurus, Walther and Norinco Star Mark.
Officials also recovered 368 live cartridges and 48 magazines. A US-made bulletproof vest was found inside the vehicle as well.
Drone Drop Evidence Found
Investigators believe drones dropped the consignment during the night of June 16 and 17. They observed physical impact marks on some magazines.
They also found traces of thermocol packaging. Officials said this suggested aerial delivery with protective cushioning to prevent damage on impact.
Overseas Link Under Scanner
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigation links the accused to an Australia-based associate. He said the handler used social media platforms to share drop locations.
Officials believe the suspect acted as a local receiver and courier. He collected the weapons and prepared to pass them further inside Punjab.
Additional Inspector General of Police, SSOC Amritsar, Sukhminder Singh Mann said BSF inputs helped shape the operation. He said teams acted quickly after receiving drone movement alerts in the area.
FIR Registered, Probe Expanded
Police registered a case at SSOC Police Station Amritsar. The case includes charges under the Arms Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam.
Investigators now track both forward and backward linkages of the network. They aim to identify the entire supply chain and all associates involved.
Officials described the recovery as a major breakthrough. They said the case highlights a growing pattern of drone-based smuggling supported by encrypted digital coordination across borders.
