NIA Arrests Key Accused in Rs 700 Crore Attari Border Drug Seizure Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Athar Saeed, a key accused in the Rs 700 crore Attari border drug seizure case. NIA teams searched Saeed's premises in Delhi's Darya Ganj area and seized incriminating documents that are being examined to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the massive drug racket.

Investigations have revealed that Athar Saeed played a significant role in establishing and maintaining a network of hawala operators and others for transferring the money earned from drug sales in India to Afghanistan and the UAE. He facilitated the transfer of drug proceeds to the main accused individuals located abroad and aided the prime accused in fleeing the country.

The case involves the recovery and seizure of 102.784 kgs of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 700 crores, by the Indian Customs in two separate incidents in April 2022. The drugs were imported from Afghanistan through ICP Attari, Amritsar, and were concealed in a consignment of Licorice roots (Mulethi).

Why this matters: The arrest of Athar Saeed marks a significant development in the NIA's efforts to dismantle the international drug trafficking network operating through the Attari border. The seizure of such a large quantity of heroin highlights the alarming scale of the drug trade and its potential impact on society.

Athar Saeed's arrest is the eighth in the case, as the NIA continues to uncover the full extent of the drug racket's conspiracy. NIA investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this transnational drug trafficking network. "This arrest is a major breakthrough in the case, and we are determined to bring all the perpetrators to justice," an NIA official stated.

Key Takeaways

• NIA arrested key accused Athar Saeed in Rs 700 crore Attari border drug seizure case.
• Saeed played a significant role in the drug trafficking network, facilitating money transfers.
• 102.784 kgs of heroin, worth Rs 700 crores, were seized from a consignment of Licorice roots.
• Saeed's arrest is the 8th in the case, as NIA aims to dismantle the drug trafficking network.
• NIA considers Saeed's arrest a major breakthrough and is determined to bring all perpetrators to justice.