NIA Arrests Narco-Terrorist Iqbal Singh After Extradition From Portugal

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has arrested Iqbal Singh, also known as Shera, a wanted narco-terrorist, following his successful extradition from Portugal. Singh was taken into custody at Delhi airport upon arrival, marking a significant breakthrough in the agency's efforts to dismantle Pakistan-backed terror networks. Identified as the mastermind behind a major Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror financing case, Singh had been absconding since 2020. He is accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to smuggle heroin from Pakistan into India and managing a vast distribution network. Investigations reveal that he routed drug proceeds through hawala channels to fund terror activities in Kashmir and support Hizb-ul-Mujahideen operatives. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him in October 2020, followed by an Interpol notice in June 2021. The case originated with the Punjab Police after arresting an overground worker linked to slain terrorist commander Riyaz Ahmed Naikoo. The NIA subsequently took over the investigation, leading to the recovery of significant drug money and the eventual extradition of Singh. Officials describe this arrest as a major step in combating cross-border narco-terrorism. Further investigations into the network and its financial links are currently underway.