Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 13: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday secured the extradition of wanted narco-terror accused Iqbal Singh alias Shera from Portugal, marking a significant development in India’s crackdown on cross-border terror financing and drug trafficking networks.
Shera, alleged to be the mastermind behind a major Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terror funding operation, was taken into custody by an NIA team immediately after his arrival at Delhi airport. Officials said he had been evading arrest and staying in Portugal since 2020.
Authorities described the extradition as the result of sustained diplomatic coordination and lengthy legal proceedings between India and Portugal.
According to investigators, Shera was a central figure in an HM-linked narco-terror network that smuggled heroin from Pakistan into India and used the proceeds to finance terrorist activities. A non-bailable warrant had been issued against him in October 2020, followed by an Interpol notice in June 2021.
Originally from Amritsar district in Punjab, Shera is accused of orchestrating a large-scale drug trafficking network operating across the border. Investigators claim he managed the movement and distribution of heroin consignments and facilitated the transfer of illegal earnings through hawala channels to Pakistan-based handlers and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen operatives in Kashmir.
Officials further alleged that Shera created and supervised a Punjab-based terror-linked syndicate engaged in narcotics smuggling, collection of drug money and funding extremist activities. He was reportedly in regular contact with Pakistan-based HM members.
The case traces back to an investigation by Punjab Police following the arrest of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen overground worker Hilal Ahmed Shergojri. During that operation, authorities recovered Rs 29 lakh believed to be linked to drug trafficking proceeds. Hilal was reportedly associated with slain militant commander Riyaz Ahmed Naikoo.
Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of an additional Rs 32 lakh from other Punjab-based operatives allegedly connected to the narco-terror network.
After taking over the probe, the NIA expanded the investigation and initiated extradition proceedings against Shera in Portugal.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as agencies continue efforts to dismantle the broader terror-financing and narcotics network.