The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached a house in Amritsar, Punjab, allegedly linked to a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative in a transnational narco-terror network case with footprints spread across multiple countries. The NIA said that the property was registered in the name of the father of accused Ankush Kapoor, a key operative in India of the narco-terror network spread across Italy, Australia, Iran, Thailand, UAE and Pakistan, among other nations.

The Agency informed that investigations had revealed the alleged links of Ankush with a Dubai-based accused connected with the proscribed terrorist organisation LeT. It added that Ankush, who was arrested last year, was found to be a very important operative of the conspiracy relating to alleged smuggling, transportation, storage and distribution of narcotic substances, besides laundering the proceeds of terrorism to the accused in various countries. Investigations had further shown that the proceeds from the trafficking of narcotic substances were being used to finance and support terrorist activities in India through a complex and elaborate financial network.

The anti-terror agency had earlier charged Ankush for his role in terror-funding activities, criminal conspiracy, and providing support to unlawful and terrorist networks, in addition to offences under the NDPS Act and IPC. NIA also said that a total of 26 accused have so far been chargesheeted in the case, in which the investigation is continuing.