Pakistan drug lord sent heroin, arms shipment for terror in India: NIA

In its investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) found that the 10 Pakistani nationals arrested three months ago with 40 kg of heroin and a cache of arms and ammunition in a fishing boat off the coast of Gujarat were sent by Haji Salim Baloch, a drug lord. lord in Pakistan's Balochistan province, to commit terrorist acts in the country and to provide funds to terrorist groups in Punjab and northern India.

The Union Home Ministry handed over the investigation to the NIA earlier on March 6 and a formal complaint was lodged in this regard three days later under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act.

"A foreign boat 'Al Soheli' with registration number BFD 14460 was intercepted, 10 foreign nationals were arrested and six foreign-made pistols with six magazines and 120 live rounds were recovered along with 40 kg of heroin," he said. An FIR registered by Sub-Inspector YG Gurjar, posted to the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Ahmedabad, as per reports.

“The consignment of arms and drugs was sent by a foreign drug mafia led by Haji Salim Baloch Wala for financial gain and intent to commit terrorist activities in India and provide funds to terrorist gangs in Punjab and North India. ” added the FIR.

According to officials, the fishing vessel 'Al Soheli' was intercepted on December 26 last year in a joint operation by Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard.