The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested alleged narco-terror operative Iqbal Singh after securing his extradition from Portugal in connection with a Hizbul Mujahideen terror-financing case linked to cross-border drug smuggling.
Iqbal Singh, alias Shera, a native of Amritsar in Punjab, was taken into custody by an NIA team at Delhi airport after being brought from Portugal through diplomatic and legal channels.
The agency described the extradition as a significant development in its efforts against Pakistan-backed narco-terror networks operating in India.
According to the NIA, Shera was a key conspirator and handler in a Punjab-based module allegedly involved in smuggling heroin from Pakistan and routing proceeds through hawala channels to operatives linked to Hizbul Mujahideen.
Investigators said Shera had fled to Portugal in 2020 and had been absconding since then. A non-bailable warrant against him had been issued in October 2020, while an Interpol notice was circulated in June 2021.
The NIA alleged that Shera coordinated trafficking and distribution of narcotics in Punjab and channelled funds to Pakistan and Kashmir-based operatives to facilitate terror activities.
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The agency further claimed that he had formed a terror-linked criminal network in Punjab for trafficking heroin, collecting proceeds and transferring funds to handlers across the border.
Officials said Shera maintained close links with Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen operatives.
The case was initially registered by Punjab Police following the arrest of Hizbul Mujahideen overground worker Hilal Ahmed Shergojri.
Police had recovered Rs 29 lakh in alleged drug proceeds from Shergojri, who was described as a close aide of slain Hizbul commander Riyaz Ahmed Naikoo.
Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of another Rs 32 lakh from various Punjab-based members of the alleged narco-terror network.
After taking over the case, the NIA launched efforts to dismantle the module and pursue Shera’s extradition from Portugal.
Further investigation is underway.
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