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Smuggling in India Report 2024-25 10

Drones

Smuggling of drones into India has emerged as a multifaceted threat, blending
commercial-scale evasion of import and safety rules with serious national securi-
ty risks. Unregulated or smuggled drones can be repurposed for criminal activity,
transporting drugs, weapons, or surveillance equipment. It also undercuts
licensed manufacturers and frustrates traceability and safety measures.

Case 10: DRI foils high-value smuggling of drones and communication
equipment

In January 2025, based on
intelligence provided by DRI
to Chennai Customs, a con-
tainer declared to contain
watch accessories and straps
was examined, and a total of
253 high-quality drones
along with 10,000 walk-
ie-talkie sets and 5,150 Nos.
of VR 3D glasses were found
to be ingeniously concealed
along with the declared
goods. The contraband and
the cover cargo (totally
valued at ₹5.40 crore) were
seized.

final fill 160 v28 with bleed.pdf 53 12/19/2025 3:26:29 PM