Pakistan-Based Links Suspected in Jammu Drone-Dropping Case, Two Arrested With Drugs and Arms

Two men have been arrested in connection with an alleged drone-dropping case in the Arnia area of Jammu district, police said on Tuesday. The arrests were made during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday as part of an investigation into the suspected delivery of weapons and narcotics through drones.

Police said an Italian-made Beretta pistol, two magazines and four live rounds were recovered from the accused. Around 500 grams of heroin and 500 grams of opium were also seized during the investigation.

The arrested men have been identified as Rahul Kumar, son of Rishpal Chand, a resident of Trewa, and Ajay Kumar, son of Mangal Dass, a resident of Talahar.

According to police, the investigation also revealed that the accused had allegedly received two consignments dropped by drones. They further disclosed suspected links with handlers based in Pakistan.

Weapon and Narcotics Recovered

The seizure includes one Beretta pistol, two magazines and four live rounds. Police also recovered approximately 500 grams of heroin and 500 grams of opium.

The recovery of both a firearm and narcotic substances has added significance to the investigation, as police are examining whether the alleged drone deliveries were part of a wider network involved in moving weapons and drugs into the area.

Investigators are now expected to examine how the consignments were received, where the materials were intended to be taken and whether other people were involved.

The total quantity of narcotics recovered in the case is approximately 1 kg, comprising around 500 grams of heroin and 500 grams of opium.

Accused Allegedly Received Two Drone Consignments

Police said the two accused disclosed during questioning that they had received two drone-dropping consignments.

The alleged use of drones is an important part of the investigation. Drone-based deliveries have been a security concern in areas close to the India-Pakistan border because they can be used to move items across the border without a conventional crossing.

Investigators are looking into the alleged Pakistan-based connections mentioned during the questioning of the accused. Police will have to establish the identity and role of any suspected handlers and determine whether the recovered weapons and narcotics were connected to the reported consignments.

Further investigation will also establish when and where the alleged drone drops took place and whether additional consignments were received.

Case Registered Under NDPS and Arms Laws

A case has been registered at Police Station Arnia under Sections 8, 21, 22 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Section 3/25 of the Arms Act.

The FIR has been registered as FIR No. 64/2026.

The NDPS Act contains provisions dealing with offences related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including possession, transportation and involvement in illegal drug activities. Section 29 is particularly relevant to allegations of abetment or criminal conspiracy connected with offences under the Act.

The Arms Act provisions invoked in the case relate to offences involving firearms and ammunition.

Police Investigating Possible Wider Network

The arrest of the two men is being treated as part of an ongoing investigation rather than an isolated recovery case. Police are examining whether the accused were allegedly working for a larger network.

Investigators may also examine communication records, financial transactions, movement patterns and other evidence to establish possible links between the arrested men and individuals operating from across the border.

The alleged Pakistan-based links are yet to be established through the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings. Police are continuing to gather evidence to determine the exact nature of the alleged network.

Authorities are also likely to investigate whether the recovered heroin, opium and firearm were intended for separate purposes or were delivered as part of the same alleged operation.

Security Concerns Around Drone Drops

The use of drones for illegal cross-border deliveries has emerged as a security challenge in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike traditional methods of smuggling, drones can potentially drop small consignments without requiring the person operating them to physically cross the border.

This has led security agencies to increase surveillance and monitoring in vulnerable areas. When a suspected drone-related recovery is made, investigators generally seek to establish the location of the drop, the intended recipient and the people involved in coordinating the delivery.

In the Arnia case, police have not yet disclosed all details of the investigation. The recovery of the firearm, ammunition and narcotics, however, has prompted further investigation into the alleged network.

Further Investigation Underway

Police said further investigation into the case is underway. The authorities are expected to question the arrested accused and verify their disclosures before taking additional action.

The investigation will also determine whether more people were involved and whether other consignments were allegedly received in the area.

At this stage, the allegations and suspected links disclosed by the accused remain part of the police investigation. Their claims will need to be supported by evidence and examined through the legal process.

The case highlights the continuing security and law-enforcement challenges posed by the alleged use of drones to deliver weapons and narcotics. Police are now focused on tracing the wider network, identifying any other suspects and establishing the complete chain behind the alleged drone-dropping consignments.