Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested a narco-terror operative who had been absconding for nearly four years, in a major breakthrough in its investigation into an alleged cross-LoC narcotics smuggling and terror-financing network operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

Spokesperson in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS, 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.

In a major success, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has arrested Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu, S/o P.K. Bhat, R/o Rehari Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, in a special operation conducted in Jammu. The accused is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022 of SIA Kashmir, registered on 03.06.2022, concerning the smuggling of narcotics from across the LoC and the alleged channelisation of proceeds from their sale towards financing terrorist activities.

The arrest is an important development in the investigation of a wider narco-terror conspiracy allegedly backed by Pakistan/PoK-based operatives of the terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).

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.

Manoj Kumar Bhat @ Pintu was evading arrest for almost 04 years since the registration 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 arrested 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, S/o Ab. Khaliq Kandoo, R/o Kralteng, Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan, S/o Late Ab. Majeed Khan, R/o Braman Panzala, Baramulla. These individuals have arranged and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK, which were subsequently collected, distributed and sold through the network operating within J&K.

The investigation assumes particular significance in view of the established pattern of narco-terror financing, wherein proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking are allegedly diverted towards sustaining terrorist activities.