Jammu: In a major crackdown on narco-terror financing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at nine locations across Punjab and the Line of Control (LoC)-linked areas of Jammu & Kashmir. The raids were carried out on July 23, 2026, by the ED’s Jammu Sub-Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Organised Narco-Terror Network Unearthed

According to the ED, the investigation has uncovered a well-organised and multi-layered narco-terror funding network operating between Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. The money laundering probe is based on FIRs registered by the Jammu & Kashmir Police and Punjab Police.

Pakistan and Hizbul Mujahideen Link Under Scanner

The investigation has identified Satnam Singh and Manjeet Singh alias Mann from Punjab, along with Safeer Ahmad and Kafeel Ahmad of Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir, as key members of the network.

The ED alleges that Pakistan-based handlers, in collusion with operatives linked to the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen, smuggled heroin into India through the LoC sector.

35-Pack Heroin Consignment

According to the agency, one consignment comprised 35 packets of heroin smuggled into India.

  • Five packets were allegedly distributed locally.
  • The remaining 30 packets were concealed inside a truck tyre and transported towards Srinagar.

In September 2023, Sarbjit Singh and Honey Basra were arrested at Banihal with 30 packets weighing approximately 31 kilograms of heroin, allegedly linked to the same network.

Fake Documents and Concealed Vehicle Compartments

The ED investigation further revealed that the syndicate used:

  • Forged identity and vehicle documents.
  • Modified vehicles with concealed cavities.
  • Multiple transport vehicles.
  • Cash transactions and informal financial channels.

These methods were allegedly employed to transport and distribute narcotics across states.

Over 60 kg of Heroin Trafficked

The agency claims that more than 60 kilograms of heroin were trafficked from Jammu & Kashmir into Punjab through this network.

According to the ED, the proceeds generated from the sale of the narcotics were used to finance terrorist activities, making it a significant case of narco-terror funding.

Suspicious Banking Transactions

Investigators also found evidence of large cash deposits and suspicious financial transactions, particularly in the bank accounts of Manjeet Singh alias Mann and Sarbjit Singh.

Bank Accounts Frozen

During the searches, the ED seized:

  • Incriminating documents.
  • Banking records.
  • Digital evidence.
  • Other material relevant to the investigation.

Additionally, multiple bank accounts holding approximately ₹49.9 lakh have been frozen under the provisions of the PMLA.

Investigation Continues

The ED stated that the operation is a major blow to the cross-border drug trafficking network and its alleged terror-financing ecosystem operating along the India-Pakistan border and the LoC.

Further investigation into the financial trail, cross-border links and involvement of other suspects is currently underway.