In its third major seizure of heroin this month, the Border Security Force (BSF) said Sunday it had seized 36 kg of heroin in Punjab after a shootout with smugglers from Pakistan.

 

 The seizure was made near a border outpost in Ferozepur sector, 280 km from here. The consignment is said to be valued Rs.180 crore in the international market. "BSF personnel challenged the smugglers who fired back… Taking advantage of the darkness and the wheat crop, the smugglers escaped," said a BSF spokesman.

 

 A mobile having Pakistani number and a SIM card was recovered from the spot. Earlier this month, the BSF seized 13 kg and 27 kg heroin in Punjab's Amritsar and Abohar sectors respectively. With the latest seizure, 218.5 kg of heroin valued Rs.1,092.5 crore has been seized in just over three months this year. 

 

 A total of 322 kg heroin was seized in the Punjab sector in 2013.