Mumbai: In a major success, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir has arrested a key kingpin of a terror and narcotics network (Narco-Terror Network) operating in India with support from Pakistan. The arrest was made at the Mumbai International Airport. The accused, identified as Mohammad Arshad alias Asif, had been absconding since 2023 and was reportedly controlling his network from Saudi Arabia.

The 'Kingpin' Who Was Absconding Since 2023

Mohammad Arshad alias Asif, a resident of Degwar-Terwan village in Haveli Tehsil of Poonch district, was the key link between Pakistan-based handlers and narco-terror operatives in Jammu and Kashmir.

Based on precise intelligence regarding the movement of Arshad, who was operating from Saudi Arabia, an SIA team lay in wait at the Mumbai Airport. Arshad was successfully arrested immediately upon his arrival on Saturday (November 8).

The Role of the Narco-Terror Network

The case stems from a joint Police-Army search operation in May 2023, during which an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and the security forces. Following the operation, a huge cache of arms, ammunition, and narcotics was recovered from the location, including 29 kg of heroin, one IED, 6 hand grenades, an AK-56 rifle, and 4 pistols.

A total of eight accused were involved in this case, two of whom were absconding. The other absconder, Laquit Ahmed, who had fled to Dubai, was arrested by the SIA in March 2025. Investigations revealed that Arshad had facilitated Laquit Ahmed's travel to Dubai and had also organized a secret meeting in the Surankote area to revive terrorism and narco-terror activities in the Pir Panjal region under his guidance. SIA officials have secured a three-day transit remand for Arshad from a Mumbai court. This arrest is considered a major breakthrough for the SIA in dismantling the cross-border terrorism and drug trafficking network.