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The two trains to Pakistan, Samjhauta Express and Thar Express, are not just linking near and dear ones on either side. They have also become major carriers of narcotics and fake currency into India.

Records available with security agencies show a rising pattern of illegal items being pumped into India through the two trains. In the past two-and-a-half years, 332.7 kg heroin and Rs1.183 crore of fake currency have been seized from the trains. The currency and the drugs are packed in iron boxes hidden beneath train coaches. The boxes are held to the coaches with the help of powerful magnets.

"There is an increase in the flow of fake money and heroin from that side and it is growing every year. Since the number of people coming in is huge, it becomes very difficult to check each and every person thoroughly and we believe that smugglers are taking advantage of that," said a home ministry official.

Till August this year, Rs55 lakh fake currency and 57.7 kg of heroin was seized. In 2008, the catch for the entire year was Rs62.14 lakh of fake money and 160 kg of heroin.Senior officials in the home ministry said that the demand for good quality heroin in India is rising. Smugglers have found a good market for their product that comes mainly from Afghanistan and is much sought after across the globe.

There is little scope for detection because there are only 12 officials to check the baggage at Punjab and Rajasthan borders. "We are sure that much more was smuggled in," said the official. In 2007, 115 kilograms of heroin was seized and just Rs 1.12 lakh of fake currency mainly Rs. 500 notes.

Sources in the home ministry said that in the past few months, the smugglers have found a new way of pushing these products into India. "They pack the consignment in an iron box and with a magnet inside it. Then they place the box under the bogey and smuggle it into India. Even if we check all the passengers we would still not be able to detect the consignment," the official said.