Crackdown on Cross-Border Narcotics and Terror Financing Networks: Key Accused Arrested

ANN Desk / Tariq Bhat
Srinagar

In a significant development in the ongoing battle against cross-border narcotics, terror financing, and secessionist activities, the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu has made a crucial arrest. Mohd. Sharief Chechi, a key accused in a Narco Terror/Terror Funding case, has been apprehended from Uri, Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir.

The case, registered as FIR 73/2022 at the Gandhi Nagar Police Station in Jammu, initially led to the arrest of Mohd. Shareef Shah and the seizure of a substantial amount of narco-terror funds. These arrests were made on allegations that they were operating under the directions of Pakistan’s ISI and its agents, with the aim of financing separatist elements in Jammu to carry out activities against India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security.

Subsequently, the case was transferred to the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) in Jammu for further examination. What unfolded during the investigation was a well-organized drug syndicate, which included individuals such as Mohd. Sharief Chechi, Mohd Rafiq Najar, and Farooq Ahmad Naikoo, operating from Dubai. Their primary objective was to introduce narcotics into Indian territory, thereby generating funds to support subversive activities that challenged the nation’s sovereignty and security.

One of the striking revelations during the investigation was the modus operandi employed by Mohd. Sharief Chechi. He was responsible for collecting narcotics from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
These narcotics were then utilized to generate proceeds for terror funding. The investigation further uncovered the use of banking channels for laundering the proceeds of narcotics to fund terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.

Technical surveillance and human intelligence played a pivotal role in Chechi’s arrest, which took place on August 25, 2023, in Uri, Baramulla. The arrest is a significant breakthrough in the fight against cross-border narcotics smuggling and terror financing.
The SIA team leading this operation included Inspector Vikas Sharma, Assistant Sub-Inspector Satish Parihar, and Sub-Inspector Shatter Singh. As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on uncovering the intricacies of this narco-smuggling and terror financing syndicate, which has been involved in smuggling arms, explosives, and narcotics across the Line of Control.
This arrest represents a critical step in dismantling networks that threaten the security and integrity of India, emphasizing the government’s commitment to countering terror financing and ensuring the safety of its citizens. Further developments in this case will be closely monitored as the investigation unfolds.