New Delhi: In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Iqbal Singh, also known as Shera. He had been absconding since 2020, and the NIA secured his extradition from Portugal in connection with a major narco-terror financing case linked to the Pakistani terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM).
He was brought to India on Wednesday after the completion of legal proceedings in Portugal. An NIA team took him into custody at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The move has been described as a significant step in the agency’s crackdown on networks allegedly backed across the border.
According to India’s anti-terror agency, Shera operated a large narco-terror module across Punjab and also has links to Hizbul Mujahideen operatives based in Pakistan and Kashmir.
Delhi: The NIA produced narco-terrorist Iqbal Singh alias Shera, linked to Hizbul Mujahideen, before the Patiala House Court. The Patiala House Court granted a two-day transit remand of Iqbal Singh alias Shera. pic.twitter.com/bi0b7XBFyb
— IANS (@ians_india) May 13, 2026
Wanted Hizb-ul-Mujahideen linked narco terrorist Iqbal Singh @ Shera has been successfully extradited from Portugal after sustained diplomatic and legal efforts. He was taken into custody on arrival at Delhi airport & has been arrested in Pak-backed narco terror case. pic.twitter.com/4ZPscD5Rnc
— NIA India (@NIA_India) May 13, 2026
From Amritsar to global manhunt
Investigators have revealed that he is linked to heroin smuggling from Pakistan into Punjab and is believed to have managed its distribution across the state through a local network.
The NIA has alleged that the proceeds from the drug trade were channelled through hawala networks and subsequently transferred to associates of Hizbul Mujahideen to fund terror activities.
How case unfolded over years
Shera is a native of Amritsar and is accused of creating and running a Punjab-based gang involved in narcotics trafficking, collection of proceeds from drug sales, and transferring funds to handlers across the border.
The case originated from an investigation by Punjab Police following the arrest of Hilal Ahmed Shergojri, an overground worker allegedly linked to Hizbul Mujahideen. Police reportedly recovered Rs 29 lakh from Shergojri, which was said to have been generated through drug trafficking. He is also described as a close associate of deceased Hizbul commander Riyaz Ahmed Naikoo.
Subsequent raids conducted by the NIA led to the seizure of a further Rs 32 lakh from members of the Punjab-based network. Shera was declared a wanted accused in the case, and a non-bailable warrant was issued against him in October 2020. An Interpol Red Notice was also issued against him seven months later.
Officials said his arrest is expected to assist ongoing investigations into the wider narco-terror racket and its financial links to terror activities across the border.