Srinagar: The J&K Police’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) said on Saturday that it has arrested the key handler in a narco-terror case in Srinagar city.

Key Narco-Terror Handler Arrested in Srinagar

“SIA Kashmir today achieved a major breakthrough in a Narco-Terror case after a key handler was arrested from the Bemina area of Srinagar city. The accused named Basharat Ali, son of Mohd Sadeeq, a resident of Tad Karnah Kupwara, was evading arrest in case FIR No 19/2022 of SIA Kashmir for the last three years,” the SIA said in a statement.

The case pertains to a Pakistan-sponsored Narco-Terror module of Lashkar-e-Taiba involved in smuggling narcotics and weapons from across the border in the Karnah sector. The proceeds from the sale of narcotic substances were allegedly being pumped into sustaining terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, the statement added.

Fourth Absconder Nabbed; More Linkages Expected

“Basharat is the fourth proclaimed absconder to be arrested in this case, and SIA is optimistic of unravelling more linkages of the case with his arrest,” the statement said.

The agency added that this year, SIA Kashmir has conducted several successful operations aimed at dismantling the network of narco-terrorism, leading to the arrest of key operatives associated with terror organisations.

Wider Crackdown on Terror Ecosystem

Security forces and J&K Police have intensified anti-terror operations targeting terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers to dismantle the broader ecosystem of terror in the Union Territory.

Drug smugglers, hawala operators, and those involved in illegal money networks are also under close surveillance, as authorities believe that funds generated through such activities are used to finance terrorism in J&K.

The revised counter-terrorism strategy, officials said, focuses on a coordinated and synergetic approach — dismantling the entire terror support structure rather than merely targeting active militants.