NIA Secures Extradition of Hizb–Linked Narco‑Terror Accused Iqbal Singh
13 May 2026 5:51 PM IST13 May 2026 5:51 PM IST
Terrorist Singh’s capture marks a major advancement in efforts to dismantle cross‑border drug‑terror financing channels that have long fueled extremist activities.
According to the NIA, Shera—considered the mastermind of a major Hizb terror‑financing conspiracy—was brought back to India after sustained diplomatic coordination.
NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested alleged narco-terror operative Iqbal Singh alias Shera after securing his extradition from Portugal.
He was taken into custody at Delhi airport on arrival, having been absconding since 2020. Officials described the extradition as a significant development in efforts against Pakistan-backed narco-terror networks.
The agency said Shera, a native of Amritsar, was a key conspirator in an India-based module involved in smuggling heroin from Pakistan.
According to the NIA, he coordinated trafficking and distribution of narcotics and routed proceeds through hawala channels to operatives of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in Pakistan and Kashmir to support terror activities.
A non-bailable warrant had been issued against him in October 2020, and an Interpol notice was issued in June 2021.
The agency said Shera had established a Punjab-based network to traffic heroin, collect proceeds and transfer funds to handlers linked to terror groups, maintaining links with Pakistan-based operatives.
The case was initially registered by the Punjab Police after the arrest of an overground worker, Hilal Ahmed Shergojri, from whom Rs 29 lakh was recovered. Investigations later led to the recovery of another Rs 32 lakh from members of the network.
The NIA took over the case and initiated proceedings that culminated in Shera’s extradition and arrest, as part of efforts to dismantle the module.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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