Srinagar, Aug 18 : The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Monday said it has arrested an absconding narco-terror operative in the Jammu region.
Manoj Kumar Bhat alias Pintu was arrested during a special operation.
A spokesperson of the agency claimed that the arrest marks an important development in the investigation of a wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly backed by Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir-based operatives of Hizbul Mujahideen.
"SIA Kashmir has achieved a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem operating in Jammu & Kashmir with the arrest of an absconding operative who had been evading arrest for nearly four years," the spokesperson said.
The agency said that Bhat was wanted in connection with smuggling of narcotics from across the LOC and using the funds from their sale to finance terrorist activities.
"The accused is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022 of SIA Kashmir, registered on June 3, 2022, concerning the smuggling of narcotics from across the LOC and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their sale towards financing terrorist activities," the spokesperson said
"The investigation has brought to light a sinister nexus in which narcotics are allegedly trafficked into J&K, distributed through an established network, and the proceeds generated from their sale are subsequently pumped into activities intended to sustain and further the terrorist ecosystem," he added.
The spokesperson said Bhat was evading arrest for almost four years since the filing of the case.
"His apprehension is the result of sustained and strenuous efforts by SIA Kashmir, involving continuous technical surveillance, human intelligence and coordinated investigative measures," the spokesperson said.
The agency further claimed that the accused 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.
