Tarn Taran — In a landmark step to curb cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday jointly launched the Baaj Akh Anti-Drone System (ADS) at the international border. Punjab has now become the first state in India to deploy such advanced systems as part of its border security strategy.
Kejriwal described the initiative as a major victory in Punjab’s ongoing “War Against Drugs” campaign, accusing previous governments of collusion with drug traffickers. He said the state is now targeting major offenders, demolishing properties acquired through drug money, and ensuring no leniency towards smugglers. The newly inaugurated system is designed to detect and neutralize drones carrying narcotics and weapons from across the Pakistan border.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, one of the most vulnerable stretches for illegal trafficking. The state government is investing ₹51.4 crore to set up nine anti-drone units, beginning with three already operational and six more to be launched soon. These will form a “Second Line of Defense” behind the BSF, allowing Punjab Police to track and destroy incoming drones before they can deliver their payloads.
In 2024, security forces seized 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition. So far in 2025, 137 such drones have already been intercepted. The Baaj Akh ADS uses advanced detection technology to pinpoint the drone’s location and its control station, sending instant automated alerts to security personnel, thus removing the need for manual monitoring.
Mann also announced that anti-drug education has been introduced in 3,658 government schools for students from classes 9 to 12, with a special syllabus aimed at creating awareness among more than 8 lakh students. Renowned scientists will participate in awareness programs to discourage youth from falling prey to narcotics.
The Chief Minister said the drug menace was deliberately spread in the state after 2009 with political backing, but his government’s strict measures have now placed even high-profile offenders behind bars.
