SRINAGAR: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Saturday intensified its crackdown on cross-border narco-terror networks by executing court-ordered proclamation proceedings against an absconding accused from Kupwara, allegedly involved in a Pakistan-backed heroin smuggling and terror-financing racket.
According to an official statement, the proclamation proceedings were carried out at the residence of Bilal Shabir Awan, son of Shabir Ahmad Awan, a resident of Dildar, Karnah, in Kupwara district. The action was executed in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses in compliance with the directions of the competent court.
The case originates from January 2025, when security forces recovered a substantial quantity of heroin during a naka checking operation at Barthana in Srinagar. During the course of the investigation, the case was transferred to the SIA Kashmir, which unearthed an organised cross-border narco-terror syndicate allegedly operating in close coordination with handlers based in Pakistan.
Investigators said the network was involved in smuggling narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir to generate funds for terrorist activities. Following the findings, relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) were invoked in the case.
The SIA has already filed a chargesheet against seven accused, who are currently facing trial before the competent court. Officials said the investigation is continuing to expose the larger conspiracy and identify other individuals linked to the narco-terror network.
Reaffirming its commitment to dismantling the infrastructure supporting narco-terrorism, the agency said every effort is being made to trace and apprehend absconding accused and bring them to justice. It added that the latest action reflects its sustained resolve to eliminate drug trafficking networks financing terrorism while strengthening the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNC)
