Srinagar, Aug 17 : Marking a breakthrough in its investigation into the smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the alleged use of drug proceeds to finance terrorist activities, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Monday arrested an absconding operative allegedly involved in a narco-terror financing network.
An SIA spokesman said the accused Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, son of P K Bhat of Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu was apprehended during a special operation conducted in Jammu.
Manoj was wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022, registered by SIA Kashmir on June 3, 2022, in connection with the alleged smuggling and distribution of narcotics and channelisation of the proceeds towards terror financing. He had reportedly been evading arrest for nearly four years, the spokesman 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,” he said, adding, “Bhat allegedly 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 investigation, the spokesman said, has also revealed alleged links with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Kandoo, son of Abdul Khaliq Kandoo of Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, son of late Abdul Majeed Khan of Braman Panzala, Baramulla. “These individuals facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through a network operating in J&K,” he said.
The spokesman said that the case was initially registered following the recovery of one kilogram of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore.
Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of seven kilograms of poppy straw and four kilograms 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,” the spokesman said.
He said 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 agency said 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.