STF may bring drug smuggler Sumra on production warrant

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 31

A Special Task Force (STF) is contemplating to bring Shahid Kasam Sumra, a notorious drug peddler allegedly involved in sneaking over 500-kg heroin to India through sea route in Gujarat, on production warrant regarding seizure of 200-kg heroin from Sultanwind village last year.

Sumra was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat from Delhi airport three days ago. Special Task Force DSP Vavinder Mahajan said the 200-kg heroin seized was part of the 500-kg consignment smuggled from Pakistan through Gujarat by Sumra.

His arrest is a major breakthrough as it would help in ascertaining his links in Punjab, who are involved in illegal drug trade.

“Though the case was taken over by the National Investigating Agency, we may also bring him in the case for identifying his links in the state,” said Mahajan.

The STF had confiscated around 450-kg narcotics, including 194-kg heroin from a plush house in Akash Vihar at Sultanwind village on January 31, 2020 and arrested six persons in this regard. The arrested accused included an Afghanistan national Ankush Kapoor, Arman Basharmal and Sahil, son of MC councillor. Ankush’s interrogation had led to the seizure of another 3-kg heroin from his residence. During the course of investigation, the police nabbed SAD leader Anwar Masih as the seizure of drugs was done from his property.

Mahajan said the NIA recently took over the case following “nacro-terrorism” angle that cropped during the investigation of four drug-related cases against Sumra as he allegedly funded terror activities from the ill gotten money from drug trade. He had been evading arrest and fled abroad after his name figured in the seizure of drugs case. He along with Simarjit Singh Sandhu, a resident of Amritsar, who is now residing in Italy, got a part of the consignment into the state, he said.