Kolakta : In a significant operation at the India-Bangladesh border, alert Border Security Force (BSF) troops from the 145 Battalion stationed at ICP Petrapole successfully intercepted an illegal drone being transported into India by a Bangladeshi passenger. On the morning of 18 October 2024, BSF personnel detected the drone during a manual baggage scan at the passenger terminal.
The passenger, holding a Bangladeshi passport, was found carrying a DJI RC2 Mini 4 Pro drone, along with accessories, concealed in his luggage. When questioned, the individual claimed the drone was for personal use but was unable to provide the necessary documentation, such as purchase receipts, registration, or travel declarations, which are required by Indian Customs regulations and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines for drone transport and use.
As per protocol, the individual, along with the drone and accessories valued at INR 90,000, was handed over to the Customs Authority at the Petrapole Land Customs Station for further investigation.
N.K. Pandey, DIG and PRO of the South Bengal Frontier, stated, “Our vigilant troops at ICP Petrapole acted promptly to detect and prevent the illegal entry of a drone into India. Incidents like this highlight the importance of strict border security protocols to prevent the unauthorized transportation of prohibited items, including drones.” The officer also informed that drones can be brought in only as per Indian Customs rules and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines for drone transportation and use.