5 days ago

Pakistan-based Cartels Recruit Punjab Youth for Drone Drug Deliveries

Drug groups operating from Pakistan are trying to recruit unemployed young people in Punjab.

They pay large amounts of money for picking up and delivering illegal drugs.

Drones drop the drugs inside India, away from the border.

This makes the work less risky for the couriers.

Officials say many drones are used every day.

Some groups also use teenagers because they may attract less suspicion and face different legal procedures.

Punjab Police are trying to stop the supply networks.

However, officials say advanced drones make the investigation difficult.

Key facts

Main hub: Tarn Taran in Punjab is described as a focus of cross-border drug smuggling.
Reported drone activity: Officials said nearly 20 drug-drop attempts are made each day, with around 15 potentially succeeding.
Courier payment: Couriers reportedly receive Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 for each pickup and delivery.
Courier network: One official estimated that 100 to 150 youth operate across the border areas.
Monthly earnings: Couriers making three deliveries a month may reportedly earn Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,20,000.
Juvenile recruitment: Officials said some couriers are between 14 and 16 years old.
Law-enforcement response: Punjab Police have increased action against the narcotics supply chains.

thehansindia.com · 5 days ago