NIA NABS DRUG KINGPIN: AMRITPAL SINGH ARRESTED IN HEROIN SMUGGLING CASE
- In मुख्य समाचार 16 Dec 2023 5:51 PM IST
New Delhi.In a major development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Amritpal Singh, a crucial figure in the 102 kg heroin smuggling case at the Attari border. This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the drug nexus operating through the India-Pakistan border.
Amritpal Singh, hailing from Tarn Taran district, Punjab, was taken into custody on Friday by the NIA. He is implicated as the mastermind behind the laundering of drug proceeds through intricate banking and hawala channels, involving a staggering amount of approximately Rs. 700 crores.
The case stems from the seizure of 102.784 kgs of heroin in two separate instances on 24th and 26th April 2022, concealed within a consignment of Licorice roots (Mulethi) arriving from Afghanistan via ICP Attari, Amritsar.
Amritpal's attempt to escape to Dubai was thwarted by Immigration officers at the Amritsar International Airport on 12th December 2023. This arrest was made based on a Look Out Circular issued by the NIA on 7th December, following orders from the competent authority. His role as a conduit for the international drug cartel became apparent through associates' testimonies and incriminating financial transactions.
Investigations unveiled Amritpal Singh's involvement in a broader conspiracy orchestrated by a global drug syndicate. Operating as a key link, he facilitated the circulation of drug money to distributors across India and the main culprits settled abroad, exploiting his travel agency and money transfer business for the illicit transactions.
On 22nd October 2023, NIA conducted searches at Amritpal's residences and offices, unearthing a substantial cash sum of Rs. 1,34,12,000 as proceeds of narcotics. The seized amount was later frozen as 'illegally acquired property' under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The NIA took over the case on the Ministry of Home Affairs' directives and revealed that the drug consignment originated from Afghanistan, sent by co-accused Nazir Ahmed Qani, under the instructions of Shahid Ahmed, a Dubai-based absconding accused. The narcotics were intended for distribution in India by Razi Haider Zaidi for financial gains.
Four accused, including Shahid Ahmed, Nazir Ahmed Qani, Razi Haider Zaidi, and Vipin Mittal, were charged on 16th December 2022. While Mittal and Zaidi were arrested in August 2022, Shahid and Nazir, residing outside India, remain at large in the ongoing investigation. The arrest of Amritpal Singh is anticipated to provide further insights into the intricate web of the international drug cartel.
