Chinese Drones Smuggled Through Hyderabad Airport

Chinese-made drones are reportedly being smuggled into India through Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, raising concerns among customs and security agencies. Officials have identified Shamshabad Airport as a key transit point for illegal drone imports, with most of the seized devices belonging to the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. The growing number of such cases has prompted authorities to intensify surveillance and inspections.

According to available data, customs officials seized 214 drones during 2025, while 18 drones have already been confiscated in 2026. Authorities suspect that the drones are being brought into the country without proper declarations to evade import regulations and duties. Investigations are underway to identify the smuggling network and strengthen airport security measures to curb the illegal trade.