New Delhi, Jan 7 (UNI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted raids at six different locations in Jammu and Punjab, in connection with the seizure of about 61 kg heroin worth more than Rs 50 crore, seized along with arms and ammunition on September 20 last year at International Border (IB) in Arnia sector of Jammu region by the Border Security Force (BSF).

The searches were conducted at five locations in Jammu at the residences of accused, namely Jasraj Singh, Sham Lal, Bishan Dass, Ajeet Kumar, Gurbaksh Singh and Gurpartap Singh at Tarn Taran in Punjab, the probe agency officials said.

During the search, digital devices and other incriminating documents having financial details and account numbers have been seized for further scrutiny and analysis, they added.

'The accused were arrested for hatching a criminal conspiracy for carrying out anti-national and unlawful activities, and to help the terrorist organisations by collecting funds and channelising the proceeds of drugs for furthering the activities of such terrorist organisations like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI),' the officials in NIA said.

Accused Gurpratap Singh, resident of Tarn-Taran district in Punjab, was the kingpin of this module, they added.

Gurpratap had received 10 kg Heroin from Pakistan-based handlers through his associates. The consignment in the instant case was also intended to be received by Gurpratap Singh to fund the activities of BKI in Punjab, the NIA officials said.

Originally registered as an FIR on September 20 last year at Police Station Arnia, District Jammu, under Sections 307, 120B & 121 IPC, and 7 & 25 of the Arms Act in connection with unprovoked firing at a police patrolling party from Pakistan side, to provide cover for the smuggling activity.

The NIA took over this case from the Jammu and Kashmir Police on November 26, 2020 and added Sections 8 read with 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act and Sections 13, 17 and 18 of the UA (P) Act during investigation.

UNI AKS RJ 2052