DW BUREAU / Tarn Taran

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced the launch of anti-drone systems, aimed at curbing the smuggling of drugs and weapons through drones from Pakistan. He declared that Punjab is the first state in India to deploy such a system in its border areas.

Mann, along with AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, unveiled three anti-drone systems during an event in the border district of Tarn Taran.

The anti-drone system will be called 'Baaz Akh' (Hawk Eye), the chief minister said, adding that it will be deployed from Pathankot to Fazilka as the second line of defence in the border districts in coordination with the Border Security Force.

Mann explained that the second line of defence refers to the deployment of the Punjab Police in border districts, working alongside the BSF stationed at the international border.

He emphasised that this initiative marks a significant step for the Punjab government in the fight against the smuggling of drugs and arms across the border. "In the coming days, we will expand the anti-drone system throughout the state," he added.

Reaffirming his government's commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the state, Mann said this initiative will play a crucial role in the government's anti-drug drive, Yudh Nasheyan Virudh (war against drugs).

To enhance border security and address challenges posed by drone activities from Pakistan, nine anti-drone units are being established along the international border for Rs 51.4 crore, Mann informed, asserting that the anti-drone system will significantly counter the activities of drug smugglers.

"The enemies of the country have turned drones into weapons to harm Punjab's youth, using them to smuggle drugs across the border," Mann said, praising the security forces for their relentless efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking.

He said that in 2024, a total of 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition were seized, and as of 2025, 137 drones have already been recovered.

Expressing confidence that the anti-drone system will assist the security forces in combating the smuggling of drugs and weapons, Mann said it will be deployed at specific border points where high drone activity has been observed.

Mann claimed that the Punjab Police did not have any such system to neutralise drones previously.

Further informing that the anti-drone system is equipped to accurately detect the drone's position and its ground control stations, the chief minister stated that this system comes with an automated alert technology, which immediately notifies authorities upon detecting drone movement, thus eliminating the need for manual monitoring.

To ensure effective implementation, coordination will be maintained with the BSF, the Air Force, the Army, and other relevant agencies, Mann stated.

During the launch, Kejriwal stated that another chapter has been added to their fight against drugs. He highlighted the AAP government's efforts to tackle the drug menace while criticising previous governments for their alleged collusion with drug smugglers, which he claimed contributed to the state's

drug problems.

Announcing that a crackdown against drug trafficking has begun, and the 'big fish' involved in this trade have been rounded up, Kejriwal further claimed that a notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind bars by the Bhagwant Mann government.

He mentioned that the Punjab Police is actively taking action against drug smugglers, including demolishing properties acquired through drug trafficking as part of their anti-drug campaign.

"We know that most drugs enter from Pakistan through drones. Today, the Punjab government is implementing the anti-drone system, which will neutralise any drone that crosses into Punjab from Pakistan," the former Delhi chief minister said.

Three anti-drone systems were launched on Saturday, with plans to deploy six more. If necessary, additional systems will be purchased, Kejriwal stated, emphasising the government's commitment to eradicating the drug menace in Punjab.

(editor@dailyworld.in)