Srinagar, Aug 18 (IANS) In a significant breakthrough into smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC), State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir said on Tuesday that it has arrested an absconding operative involved in narco-terror financing.
A statement by SIA Kashmir said that marking a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the smuggling of narcotics from across the LoC and the use of drug proceeds to finance terrorist activities, the state probe agency has arrested an absconding operative involved in a narco-terror financing network.
The SIA statement said the accused Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, the son of P.K. Bhat of Rehari Colony in Jammu’s Bakshi Nagar was apprehended during a special operation conducted in Jammu.
Bhat was wanted in connection with an FIR registered by SIA Kashmir on June 3, 2022, in connection with the smuggling and distribution of narcotics and channelisation of the proceeds towards terror financing.
He had reportedly been evading arrest for nearly four years, the statement said.
“The SIA investigation has uncovered a wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly involving Pakistan/PoK-based operatives linked with the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Narcotics were allegedly trafficked into Jammu and Kashmir, distributed through a local network and the proceeds from their sale subsequently channelled towards activities sustaining the terrorist ecosystem.”
“Bhat played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Jammu division. His arrest followed sustained efforts involving technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures,” the statement added.
The investigation has also revealed links with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Kandoo, the son of Abdul Khaliq Kandoo of Kralteng in Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, the son of late Abdul Majeed Khan of Braman Panzala village of Baramulla.
“These individuals facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through a network operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The case was initially registered following the recovery of one kg of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora in Sopore. Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of seven kg of poppy straw and four kg of poppy seeds.”
“The SIA had earlier also recovered 15 grams of heroin from the residential premises of Manoj Kumar Bhat. One motorcycle and electronic gadgets have also been seized and are currently undergoing forensic and technical examination.”
“During the investigation, SIA Kashmir filed multiple charge-sheets before the competent court against Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi, Waseem Ahmad Khan, Bashir Ahmad Koli, Mohammad Ashraf Lone, Mohammad Saleem Khan and Zafraan Khan for judicial determination.”
The SIA said that the investigation has established the involvement of a broader network allegedly associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/PoK-based handlers.
Meanwhile, SIA Kashmir has also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and narco-terror operative Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case.
The latest arrest is expected to help investigators uncover further layers of the alleged conspiracy, establish additional linkages, trace the financial trail and identify the complete chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing.
The SIA said its investigation remains ongoing and that efforts will continue to identify and apprehend all persons allegedly involved in the network and dismantle the structures supporting narco-terror financing.
–IANS
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