NIA gets custody of Attari drug haul accused

Amritsar, July 28

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today procured the custody of three accused in the 532-kg heroin haul at Attari. The three accused - Handwara-based trader Tariq Ahmed Lone, chartered accountant Ajay Gupta and transporter Jasbir Singh - were with the State Special Operation Cell on production warrant. A four-member NIA team was in Amritsar to investigate the biggest-ever drug haul in the state.

Officials said the trio would be produced before the NIA court in Mohali seeking their remand, followed by further detailed investigation at Delhi. The statements of family members of main accused Gurpinder Singh Babbar, who died in jail, were also recorded as part of judicial probe being conducted by Amritsar ADC Himanshu Aggarwal.

Meanwhile, sources said the NIA took over the probe following a letter by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In his letter, the CM said, “Investigations have revealed the involvement of a major international drug racket based in Pakistan as well as Afghanistan. It seems that traders based in Lahore have been conspiring with Indian companies.” — TNS