Srinagar, Aug 03: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted raids in the Gursai area of Mendhar sub-division of Poonch in connection with a narco terror case.
Raids were conducted in Gursia and Balakote areas of the district, in a case that relates to drug peddler RafiqLala, who was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) earlier this year.
Lala is a resident of Danna Doyiyan area of Sathra, who was arrested under the PSA and a case was filed under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic (NDPS) Act. A police officer said that during the searches at multiple locations in premises of narco terror suspects, the search parties seized various incriminating material. The investigation in the case is underway, he said. “The ongoing investigation revolves around a high-profile narco case that has raised concerns about the growing nexus between drug trafficking and terror activities in the region,” he said.
The officer said law enforcement authorities have been actively working to dismantle these networks and apprehend those responsible for propagating these dangerous crimes. “During the raids, the SIA personnel meticulously searched the premises of suspected narco terror suspects, targeting areas suspected to be hotspots for illegal drug transactions and potential terrorist activities,” he said. The officer said SIA is determined to eradicate the menace of narco terror from the society. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes will be brought to justice, and we will ensure that no stone is left unturned in this investigation, he said.
“The links between drug trafficking and terrorism have raised concerns among the authorities, and the continuous investigations aim to disrupt the funding channels for terror outfits that exploit drug trade as a means of financing their nefarious operations,” he added.
On July 1, SIA had taken Lala on remand for questioning over his alleged links across the border. He is the primary accused in the case and recently in March this year we recovered 7kg heroin, nearly ₹2 crore and some arms and ammunition from his house that is located near Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, the officer said.
“The accused Lala was in touch with Punjab-based narcotics smugglers and it is also being investigated. It is being probed where he was getting these drugs smuggled in the J&K. All angles will be investigated,” he said. The SIA has urged people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. Citizens’ cooperation is crucial in helping law enforcement agencies dismantle these dangerous networks and safeguarding the security and well-being of the community, he said.
