From Punjab to Prisons: How Drones Became the New Drug Mules

Commercial drones were designed for photography, deliveries and agriculture. Criminal networks, however, have discovered another use: transporting illegal drugs across heavily guarded borders and dropping contraband inside prisons.

Drones are relatively inexpensive, widely available and remotely operated. Smugglers can send a package without physically crossing a border or meeting the receiver. If authorities intercept the aircraft, they lose the drone and its cargo—but not necessarily a human courier who could be arrested and questioned.

Punjab Became a Major Drone-Smuggling Route

The India-Pakistan border in Punjab has emerged as one of the clearest examples of this changing trafficking method.

During 2023, the Border Security Force shot down or recovered 107 drones along the Punjab border. Official data cited at the time also recorded the seizure of approximately 442.39 kilograms of heroin, along with weapons and ammunition, across the Punjab frontier. Many of the recovered drones were commercially manufactured models found in agricultural fields near the border.

The activity continued to increase. By July 9, 2024, the BSF had already intercepted 125 drones, surpassing the total recorded during the whole of 2023. By October 2024, reported recoveries had reached 181.

These drones generally transport smaller packages, but repeated flights allow traffickers to move substantial quantities while limiting the number of people required to physically cross the border.

Why Are Drones Attractive to Smugglers?

Traditional drug couriers face the possibility of arrest, interrogation and long prison sentences. A drone can be treated as disposable equipment.

Drones can also reach areas where conventional smuggling has become more difficult, including:

• Fenced and heavily monitored international borders
• High-security prison compounds
• Remote coastal routes
• Areas with dangerous or restricted terrain
• Locations where face-to-face transactions create additional risk

Liam O’Shea, formerly a senior organised-crime researcher at RUSI, explained that drones can lower the risks involved in certain transactions because traffickers do not need to be physically present.

However, most commercial drones have limited range, battery life and carrying capacity. They are therefore more useful for small shipments than for replacing ships, trucks and containers used in wholesale trafficking.

The Problem Extends Far Beyond India

Drone-assisted smuggling has been reported in several parts of the world.

Drones carrying crystal meth have been intercepted while travelling from Syria towards Jordan. Criminal organisations connected with the Syrian drug economy have reportedly explored drones as land-border enforcement has become tighter.

In Europe, traffickers have experimented with much larger machines. Spanish police previously seized three semi-submersible drones designed to transport as much as 200 kilograms of drugs each across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Unlike small flying drones, these remotely operated vessels were reportedly intended to move larger shipments between Morocco and Spain.

Drones Are Also Targeting Prisons

Prisons have become another major target because a small package containing drugs, phones or other contraband can be extremely valuable inside a secured facility.

In response to increasing drone drops, the British government introduced restricted airspace around prisons in England and Wales. Flying a drone within 400 metres of protected prison airspace without permission can result in criminal proceedings.

Similar incidents have been reported in Canada, the United States, France, Brazil and Australia.

Can Authorities Stop Drone Smuggling?

Law-enforcement agencies are investing in radar systems, radio-frequency detection, cameras and other counter-drone technology. Investigators can also examine recovered aircraft, controllers, digital records and packaging for evidence.

But the challenge continues to evolve. Commercial drones are becoming more powerful, easier to operate and capable of carrying heavier loads.

Drones are unlikely to replace traditional trafficking routes completely. Their real advantage lies in moving smaller packages across locations where sending a human courier would be expensive or dangerous.

The technology itself is not criminal. But as legitimate drone deliveries become more common, authorities will have to distinguish ordinary commercial flights from machines being used to carry illegal cargo.

References: VICE, The Federal/PTI, The Indian Express, UK Government, Spanish underwater-drone seizure

Disclaimer: This article reports on illegal trafficking and security developments. It does not promote drug use, smuggling or unlawful drone operations.