Overview
- State Investigation Agency Kashmir arrested Manoj Kumar Bhat, also known as Pintu, after nearly four years on the run in a special operation tied to FIR No. 13/2022 about cross‑LoC narcotics smuggling and alleged terror financing.
- Investigators seized drugs, seven kilograms of poppy straw, four kilograms of poppy seeds, a motorcycle and electronic devices that have been sent for forensic and technical examination to link supply, distribution and payments.
- SIA says the probe has already produced multiple chargesheets against suspects in Baramulla, Kupwara and Uri and has identified alleged cross‑border handlers including Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo and Manzoor Ahmad Khan with an Interpol Red Corner Notice secured for Kandoo in a separate case.
- Officials say Bhat’s arrest is likely to help unravel the network’s local distribution nodes and the money flows that investigators allege sustain militant activity, which could lead to further arrests and asset tracing as the inquiry continues.
- The case began after a June 3, 2022 recovery of 1 kg heroin in Sopore and reflects a longer pattern officials describe as narcotics smuggling from Pakistan/PoK into Jammu and Kashmir that law enforcement says fuels local criminal networks and undermines community safety.