New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a major success in combating transnational terrorism by detaining Iqbal Singh, alias Shera, following his extradition from Portugal. This development ties into a significant narco-terror funding probe connected to the Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM).
According to reports Shera, on the run since 2020, arrived in India on Wednesday once Portuguese judicial processes wrapped up. NIA personnel apprehended him at Delhi airport immediately upon his arrival. Agency officials, speaking to media, called the extradition a pivotal advance in dismantling terror-financing and drug-trafficking syndicates purportedly supported from Pakistan.
According to NIA officials, Shera is a central figure in a narco-terror operation spanning Punjab, having direct links to HuM elements in Pakistan and Kashmir, as reported by India Today.
Punjab Drug Ring Exposed
Probes revealed his role in coordinating heroin shipments from Pakistan into Punjab and directing their dispersal via a homegrown syndicate. The agency claims drug revenues were laundered through hawala routes and dispatched to HuM affiliates to bankroll militant actions.
Hailing from Amritsar, Shera is further accused of establishing and leading a Punjab gang responsible for drug hauling, proceeds gathering, and cross-border fund transfers to overseas controllers.
The probe originated with Punjab Police’s arrest of one Hilal Ahmed Shergojri, flagged by officials as an HuM overground supporter. Authorities recovered Rs 29 lakh from him, linked to narcotics sales.
Investigators noted Shergojri’s proximity to the late HuM leader Riyaz Ahmed Naikoo. Subsequent operations uncovered Rs 32 lakh more from Punjab network players, deemed additional fruits of narco-terror dealings.
Shera earned wanted status in the case, with a non-bailable warrant issued in October 2020. An Interpol arrest notice followed in June 2021.
Diplomatic Effort Pays Off
NIA credits persistent diplomatic and judicial pursuits for enabling Shera’s return. Officials anticipate his interrogation will bolster the probe into the expansive narco-terror apparatus and its monetary pipelines to terrorism.
