Kashmir: NIA nabs man in Handwara narco terror case

Srinagar, July 17 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a man from Srinagar in connection with a case involving seizure of heroin and cash from a drug syndicate operating in Jammu & Kashmir.

According to a press release by the NIA, the agency on Thursday arrested accused Afaq Ahmad Wani, a resident of Maratgam in north Kashmir's Handwara from Srinagar, in connection with case involving seizure of 21 kg of heroin and over Rs 1.35 crore in cash from the drug syndicate.

The investigating agency said Saturday evening Handwara police intercepted a white-colored Hyundai Creta car without registration plate, which was going towards Handwara from Baramulla. "The vehicle was being driven by one Abdul Momin Peer resident of New Colony Bemina, Srinagar. During search, a black bag was found concealed under the front seat of the vehicle, from which cash amounting to Rs 20 lakh and heroin weighing 6.2 kgs were seized and Abdul Momin Peer was arrested," NIA said.

NIA said that subsequently J&K Police arrested two more accused persons Iftiqar Andrabi, resident of Laribal, Rajwara and Peer Islam-ul-Haq resident of Waskoora, Handwara. Houses of the accused were also searched, leading to recovery of more cash and heroin.

"NIA took over the case on 23.06.2020. Accused Afaq Ahmad Wani, who was working as Branch Manager at Baramulla Central Co-operative Bank, Handwara branch, was absconding since 11.06.2020. He was located and arrested from his hideout in Srinagar on 16.07.2020. Earlier, cash amount of Rs 30 lakh and heroin weighing 3.2 kg was seized from his house at Handwara," NIA said.

The statement said he was produced before NIA Special Court at Jammu on Friday and 12 days' NIA remand was granted for his custodial interrogation.

"Investigation so far has revealed that the accused persons were smuggling drugs and psychotropic substances in huge quantities through the LoC and the proceeds of sale were used to finance the activities of terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba operating in the valley," NIA said.