SIA Captures Narco-Terror Operative After Four-Year Manhunt

Leh, India Aug 18, 2026 ALN: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has successfully apprehended an absconding narco-terror operative, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to dismantle the narco-terror financing network that has been a persistent challenge in Jammu and Kashmir. The arrest of Manoj Kumar Bhat, also known as Pintu, who hails from Rehari Colony in Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, comes after nearly four years of evading law enforcement authorities.

Bhat's arrest took place during a special operation conducted in Jammu, aimed at addressing the rising concerns of narcotics trafficking and its links to terrorism in the region. He is wanted in connection with FIR No. 13/2022, which was registered by the SIA Kashmir on June 3, 2022. This case revolves around the smuggling of narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the alleged diversion of the proceeds from these illegal activities towards financing terrorist operations.

The SIA has indicated that this arrest represents a crucial development in the investigation of a broader narco-terror conspiracy that is reportedly supported by operatives from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The agency's statement outlines a disturbing nexus where narcotics are trafficked into Jammu and Kashmir, distributed through a well-established network, and the financial returns are funneled into sustaining and furthering terrorist activities. This situation underscores the complex interplay between drug trafficking and terrorism, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where both issues are deeply intertwined.

Bhat had been on the run since the inception of the case, with the SIA attributing his eventual capture to a combination of persistent technical surveillance, human intelligence, and coordinated investigative efforts. The agency's methodology highlights the challenges faced in tracking down individuals involved in such clandestine networks, especially when they operate across borders.

Investigations have revealed that Bhat played a significant role in facilitating a distribution network for narcotics within the Jammu division, thereby contributing to the financial framework of a larger narco-terror network. The SIA has also established connections between Bhat and various Pakistan/PoK-based terrorist handlers, including individuals such as Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, also known as Kandoo, from Sopore, and Manzoor Ahmad Khan from Baramulla. These operatives are alleged to have orchestrated and facilitated the trafficking of narcotics from PoK into Indian territory, further complicating the security dynamics in the region.

The case was initially triggered by the recovery of 1 kg of heroin from two individuals, Zeeshan Ahmad Sofi and Waseem Ahmad Khan, at Nowpora in Sopore. Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of additional narcotics, including 7 kg of poppy straw and 4 kg of poppy seeds. The SIA had previously recovered 15 grams of heroin from Bhat's residence, which indicates his direct involvement in the drug trade. In addition, law enforcement agencies have confiscated a motorcycle and various electronic devices from Bhat, which are currently undergoing forensic examination to gather more evidence related to the case.

Following the investigation, the SIA Kashmir has filed multiple charge-sheets against six individuals implicated in the case, further illustrating the depth of the network involved. The revelations from this investigation point to a larger conspiracy that is intricately linked to the operations of Hizbul Mujahideen and its handlers based in Pakistan and PoK. This connection is particularly concerning given the historical context of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, where groups like Hizbul Mujahideen have been involved in various forms of insurgency and violence.

In a related effort, SIA Kashmir has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, highlighting the agency's commitment to pursuing those responsible for orchestrating terror-related activities and narco-trafficking across borders. This notice serves as a tool to facilitate international cooperation in apprehending fugitives who pose a threat to security.

The implications of Bhat's arrest extend beyond merely apprehending an individual; it is expected to aid the SIA in unraveling further layers of the narco-terror conspiracy. By identifying additional linkages and tracing the financial trails, the agency aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of how narcotics trafficking is connected to terror financing. This could potentially lead to more arrests and a disruption of the financial networks that sustain terrorist activities.

SIA Kashmir has reiterated its determination to continue its relentless campaign against the terror ecosystem, targeting not only the operatives involved in these activities but also the facilitators and financiers who enable such operations. The agency's ongoing efforts are crucial in addressing the dual threats of narcotics and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has long been plagued by violence and instability. By dismantling these networks, the SIA aims to contribute to a safer and more secure environment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while also sending a strong message to those engaged in such illicit activities that their actions will not go unpunished.