Mundra drug haul linked to Pak terror outfits, says NIA

AHMEDABAD: The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against 16 people in connection with the seizure of heroin worth Rs 21,000 crore at Mundra port by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in September, 2021. Probe has revealed the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfits to raise funds for use in “anti-India activities”, as per the agency.

The NIA invoked charges under the UAPA, NDPS Act and criminal conspiracy under the IPC for the alleged smuggling of 2,998.2 kg of heroin, seized by DRI sleuths at Mundra port on September 13, 2021, concealed in a consignment of semi-processed talc imported by Aashi Trading Co. The consignment had been sent from Afghanistan through the Bandar Abbas port in Iran.

Of the accused, 10 people – four Indians and six Afghan nationals – have been arrested. There are six accused – Mohammed Hussain Dad, Mohammed Hasan Dad, Najibullah Khan Khalid, Esmat Ullah Honari, Abdul Hadi Alizada from Afghanistan and one Javad Najafi from Iran. The Dads are owners of a company named Hasan Hussain Ltd based in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and the consignment was sent by this company. NIA alleged that Hasan and Hussain Dad and other conspirators have links with proscribed terror outfits based in Pakistan.