NIA arrests hizbul terror funding accused Iqbal Singh following extradition from Portugal
PTC News Desk: In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Iqbal Singh, alias Shera after successfully securing his extradition from Portugal in connection with major narco-terror financing case linked to Pakistani terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM).
An NIA team took him into the custody at Delhi airport soon after his arrival.
The extradition has been described as a significant breakthrough in agency's efforts to crackdown on cross-border terror financing and narcotics smuggling networks allegedly backed from Pakistan.
In a statement, the NIA said, "His successful extradition and arrest come as a major shot in the arm for NIA’s fight against Pakistan-backed narco and cross-border terrorism."
Shera as described by the agency was a key conspirator and handler of an India-based narco-terror network allegedly involved in smuggling heroin from Pakistan into Punjab and channelising the proceeds towards terror activities.
The anti-terror agency further said that Shera had also formed a terror gang based in Punjab comprising associates involved in heroin trafficking, collection of drug sale proceeds and transfer of funds to handlers and terror operatives linked to Pakistan-based Hizb-ul-Mujahideen networks.
Shera reportedly maintained close contacts with Pakistan-based HM operatives and used the narcotics trade to finance anti-India activities.
- With inputs from agencies
