Overview
- Iqbal Singh alias Shera, extradited from Portugal Wednesday, was taken into NIA custody at Delhi airport.
- A Delhi judge granted a two-day transit remand, clearing his transfer to Mohali under NIA supervision.
- The NIA alleges he ran a Punjab network that smuggled heroin from Pakistan and sent drug money through hawala to Hizbul Mujahideen operatives in Pakistan and Kashmir.
- The case began with Punjab Police arrests that yielded ₹29 lakh from an HM overground worker and another ₹32 lakh from associates, which laid the financial trail.
- Officials said he fled to Portugal in 2020 and faced an Interpol Red Notice since June 2021, with his return secured after sustained diplomatic and legal efforts and with further investigation ongoing.