SIA files chargesheet in 46 kg cross-border heroin smuggling case

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a chargesheet in the case of interstate and cross-border smuggling of over 46 kg heroin. The case was linked to a narco-terror module of operators in Pakistan, Punjab and Jammu.

The SIA in a statement said, “The SIA has filed the first chargesheet in a case involving the seizure of more than 46 kg of heroin in Jammu as well as Punjab.” It further stated that the chargesheet, filed before the court, pertains registration of a criminal case filed after the recovery of more than 33 kg of heroin in the bus stand area of Jammu under the NDPS Act. Finding cross-border terror links in the case, investigation was taken up by SIA under the provisions of NDPS Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The case originated with the apprehension of Sartaj Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran, Punjab, from the bus stand area in Jammu based on intelligence inputs in August 2024. Authorities recovered 33.58 kg of heroin from his possession at the time of arrest. Swift follow-up investigation led to the identification of a second accused, Amritpal Singh alias Fouji, who initially escaped the scene with another consignment but was later arrested by Punjab Police, yielding an additional 12.626 kg of heroin.

Owing to the international dimensions and emerging terror linkages, the case was transferred to SIA Jammu. Investigations unearthed critical evidence connecting Amritpal Singh to a Pakistan-based handler affiliated with the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba, establishing a direct narco-terrorism linkage.

“The chargesheet substantiates grave offences under the NDPS Act and UAPA against the accused duo and other involved individuals. This case marks a major success for law enforcement in the fight against narcotics-fuelled terrorism and highlights the continuing threat posed by transnational criminal-terrorist syndicates exploiting drug trafficking routes to fund and support terror activities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond,” the SIA stated.