SRINAGAR, Aug 17: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested an absconding operative allegedly involved in a narco-terror financing network linked to the smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC), officials said on Monday.
The accused, identified as Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu, a resident of Rehari Colony in Jammu, was apprehended during a special operation in Jammu, according to the SIA.
Bhat was wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022, registered by the SIA on June 3, 2022, over 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 agency said its investigation has uncovered a wider conspiracy allegedly involving Pakistan- and PoK-based operatives linked with Hizbul Mujahideen. According to the SIA, narcotics were allegedly smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir, distributed through a local network and the proceeds channelled towards activities supporting the terrorist ecosystem.
Bhat allegedly facilitated the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Jammu division, the agency said. His arrest followed sustained technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative efforts.
The SIA said the investigation also revealed alleged links with Pakistan/PoK-based handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Kandoo of Sopore and Manzoor Ahmad Khan of Baramulla. The agency alleged that they facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through a network operating in J&K.
The case was initially registered following the recovery of one kilogram of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora in Sopore. Subsequent investigation led to the recovery of seven kilograms of poppy straw and four kilograms of poppy seeds.
The SIA also recovered 15 grams of heroin from Bhat's residential premises, besides seizing a motorcycle and electronic devices that are undergoing forensic and technical examination.
The agency said it has already filed multiple charge sheets before the competent court against several accused persons, including Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi, Waseem Ahmad Khan, Bashir Ahmad Koli, Mohammad Ashraf Lone, Mohammad Saleem Khan and Zafraan Khan.
The SIA said it has also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against alleged terrorist handler and narco-terror operative Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case.
The latest arrest is expected to help investigators trace the alleged financial trail, identify additional members of the network and establish further links between narcotics trafficking and terror financing.
The investigation remains underway, with the SIA stating that efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the network.
