The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charge-sheeted eight more accused persons in a 2020 case related to a transnational narco-terror network. The network was involved in the smuggling of 500 kilograms of heroin from Pakistan into Gujarat via the sea route to further transport to Punjab. The drugs were aimed at financing the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a proscribed terror outfit.

Investigations have revealed that the narco-terror conspiracy was spread across Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi and Gujarat with a footprint spanning several countries, including Italy, Australia, UAE, Pakistan, Iran and Thailand. NIA has established that the narco-terror conspiracy was masterminded by Italy-based Simranjit Singh Sandhu, Australia-based Tanveer Bedi and India-based Ankush Kapoor. The other five named in the chargesheet include a Pakistani national. A total of 26 accused have been arrested in the case so far.