ISI-Linked Arms Racket Busted; Weapons Smuggled Into India From Pakistan Using Drones

The gang was supplying high-end Turkish and Chinese-made pistols into India through Pakistan. (Image: IANS)

In a major blow to transnational arms smuggling networks, the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has uncovered a smuggling racket with direct links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The operation led to the arrest of four key operatives involved in interstate weapons smuggling and the seizure of a large cache of advanced foreign-made firearms meant for illegal distribution.

The operation was led by DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. Authorities confirmed that the arms were being smuggled into India from Pakistan using drones, highlighting a sophisticated and alarming method of cross-border infiltration.

Turkey-Made PX-5.7 Pistol Among Seized Weapons

“The seized consignment includes 10 high-end foreign-made semi-automatic pistols along with 92 live cartridges,” Special CP (Crime) Devesh Srivastava told TOI.

Among the firearms seized, the Turkiye-made PX-5.7 pistol stands out. Known for its exclusive use by special forces, the weapon underscores the serious nature and potential intent of the smuggling operation. The network was also trafficking China-made PX-3 pistols, indicating the diverse international sources of the arms being channelled through the ISI-linked module.

Joint CP Surendra Kumar stated, “The arrests and seizures are expected to provide critical leads in tracing the full extent of the network’s operations, its forward and backward linkages, and the individuals or groups who were the ultimate intended recipients of these deadly weapons.”

Officials said the successful crackdown delivers a major setback to cross-border smuggling of sophisticated firearms, which could have been used to destabilise the region.