Hizbul Chief Named in Narcotics Terror Case

Srinagar, 6 July 2025:

Syed Mohammad Yusuf Shah, also known as Syed Salahuddin, the leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, is one of 11 people charged by the Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) with operating a cross border narco terror financing ring that uses the drug trade to fund terror activities in the area. 

According to a spokesperson, the FIR, which was initially filed in 2022, reveals a "well organised network of terrorist associates and couriers" that operate between Pakistan and the Union Territory, specifically to smuggle drugs and raise money. Salahuddin, who is currently based in Pakistan, and Basharat Ahmad Bhat, another militant based in Pakistan, are accused of planning the plot.

The document also named four Jammu residents, Harpreet Singh, Chain Singh, Sahil Kumar, and Sandeepak Singh, as well as local agents Khalid Hussain (Rajouri), Mohd Shokit (Poonch), Javid Ahmed Rather, and Manzoor Ahmad (Budgam and Srinagar). According to the FIR, these people accumulated "considerable wealth through drug proceeds" in spite of having no other sources of income. According to the SIA's findings, heroin was smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan and then distributed locally, with the proceeds going into accounts under the accused's control under Bhat's supervision. The money raised was used to recruit militants and fund terror infrastructure.

"This network has become a significant conduit for financing terrorism in the area," the SIA spokesperson said, adding that agents used young people from the area to distribute drugs. The chargesheet represents a major step up in the fight against narco terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Charges under the Indian Penal Code, the NDPS Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are pending against those listed in the FIR. The report also mentions continuous attempts to find more suspects and break up the network.

This is the most recent narco terror prosecution in the area; chargesheets from 2022 had already targeted Hizbul Mujahideen handlers who smuggled heroin through PoK and raised money through hawala channels. The scope of the operation, which is currently linked to the leader of a significant militant organisation, highlights the authorities' worry that drug trafficking is being used as a means of funding terrorism. Significant assets have been frozen by the SIA, and they are requesting asset forfeiture orders in court.

Now that Salahuddin's direct involvement has been confirmed, investigators are anticipated to work more closely with national law enforcement to monitor financial transactions, stop drug shipments, and apprehend more agents. The government's assertion that cross border narco terror networks continue to pose a threat to regional peace and security is supported by the chargesheet. 

Following NIA or central agency intervention, the legal process will proceed to a special court for UAPA and NDPS offenses.