Srinagar, Aug 17: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested an absconding narco-terror operative who had been evading arrest for nearly four years, in a major breakthrough aimed at dismantling the narco-terror financing network operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu, a resident of Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, was arrested in a special operation conducted in Jammu. He is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022 registered by SIA Kashmir on June 3, 2022, concerning the smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their sale towards financing terrorist activities, the SIA said in a statement issued here.
The probe agency said the arrest is an important development in the investigation of a wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly backed by Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-based operatives of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen. “The investigation has revealed a sinister nexus in which narcotics are trafficked into J&K, distributed through an established network, and the proceeds generated are subsequently pumped into activities intended to sustain and further the terrorist ecosystem,” it said.
Bhat was evading arrest for almost four years since the registration of the case, the SIA said, adding that his apprehension is the result of sustained and strenuous efforts by SIA Kashmir, involving continuous technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures.
The accused is alleged to have played a role in facilitating the sale and distribution network of narcotics in the Jammu division, thereby contributing to the financial pipeline of the larger narco-terror network. The investigation has also established linkages with Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo @ Kandoo of Sopore and Manzoor Ahmad Khan of Baramulla, who allegedly arranged and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK.
The case was initially registered following the recovery of 1 kg of heroin from Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan at Nowpora, Sopore. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of 7 kg of poppy straw and 4 kg of poppy seeds. Earlier, 15 grams of heroin had also been recovered from Bhat’s residential premises by SIA. One motorcycle and electronic gadgets have also been seized and are presently under forensic examination.
SIA Kashmir has filed multiple charge-sheets against six accused persons in the case. The investigation has further revealed the involvement of a broader network associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and its Pakistan/PoK-based handlers.
Notably, SIA Kashmir has also secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against terrorist handler and narco-terror kingpin Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in a separate terror-related case, reflecting the Agency’s sustained efforts to pursue Pakistan-based handlers and other fugitives.
The latest arrest is expected to assist the investigating agency in unravelling further layers of the conspiracy, identifying additional linkages, tracing the financial trail and establishing the complete chain connecting narcotics trafficking with terror financing. SIA Kashmir reiterated its resolve to continue its relentless campaign against the terror ecosystem, its facilitators and financiers.
