Crime
Major Breakthrough in Pakistan-Backed Narco-Terror Case
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Linked Accused Was Wanted in Pakistan-Backed Narco-Terror Case
National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested wanted narco-terrorist Iqbal Singh after securing his extradition from Portugal following prolonged diplomatic and legal proceedings.
According to the agency, Shera, who is allegedly linked to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, was taken into custody immediately after arriving at the airport in New Delhi. He has been arrested in connection with a Pakistan-backed narco-terror case and had reportedly been absconding since 2020.
The NIA stated that Shera was declared a wanted accused in a narco-terror module case, following which a non-bailable warrant was issued against him in October 2020. An Interpol notice seeking his arrest was also issued in June 2021.
Investigators identified Shera as a major conspirator and handler of an India-based narco-terror network allegedly involved in smuggling heroin from Pakistan into India. Officials said he played a key role in planning cross-border narcotics trafficking and managing a large distribution network within the country.
A resident of Amritsar district in Punjab, Shera is accused of coordinating narcotics operations linked to terror financing activities.
The arrest is being viewed as a major breakthrough for Indian investigative agencies in their crackdown on narco-terror networks operating with cross-border support.