Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Tuesday arrested Zafraan Khan, a notorious narcotics smuggler linked to a narco-terror network, who had been evading capture for over three years.
According to an SIA spokesperson, the arrest was carried out by a special SIA team in Kathua district, delivering a significant blow to terror modules operating in the region. Zafraan Khan, son of Shafi Ullah Khan from Mohra Dawran, Uri in Baramulla district, had been a key target in the agency’s ongoing efforts against narco-terrorism.
The module he was part of was reportedly involved in smuggling narcotics through the LoC in the Uri sector, distributing them across Kashmir Valley and Jammu region. Proceeds from these sales were allegedly used to fund terrorism in the Union Territory.
The arrest relates to FIR No. 13/2022 under sections 8/21/29 of the NDPS Act and sections 13, 17, 18, 38, 40 of the UA(P) Act, connected to the seizure of 1 kg of heroin, 7 kg of poppy straw, and 4 kg of poppy seeds. A charge sheet has already been filed against five members of this narco-terror module under NDPS and UA(P) Acts. The SIA said the latest arrest would help trace both upstream and downstream links, aiming to dismantle narco-terror networks in the valley.
The SIA has stepped up operations against narco-terror networks in recent months. Last week, another key terror handler, Abdul Rashid Bhat, who had been absconding for over two years, was arrested from Pulwama. These actions underscore SIA Kashmir’s persistent efforts to weaken the terror ecosystem in the region.
