Properties in Phase‑I Akash Vihar and Sultanwind attached under anti‑terror law
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday attached two immovable properties in Amritsar that are alleged to be linked to proceeds from a transnational narcotics‑terror network implicated in the seizure of 500 kg of heroin, officials said.
The properties, located in Phase‑I of Akash Vihar and Sultanwind, are registered in the name of the accused Anwar Masih, the NIA said in a statement. The attachment proceedings were conducted on August 13 in the presence of witnesses and with assistance from revenue authorities, it added.
"The network was engaged in the smuggling and distribution of narcotics and channelising the proceeds to finance terrorist activities linked to Pakistan‑based Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) terror outfit,"
The action forms part of the probe into the so‑called Salaya drug seizure case, which concerns the movement of 500 kg of heroin from Pakistan to India by a sea route. According to the NIA, the investigation has uncovered the involvement of a transnational network spanning multiple countries.
- Attached properties: Phase‑I, Akash Vihar and Sultanwind, Amritsar.
- Accused in whose name properties are registered: Anwar Masih.
- Seizure central to case: 500 kg heroin, known as the Salaya seizure.
- Number arrested so far in the case: 26.
Transnational links and terrorism financing allegations
The NIA has said its probe has established links of the network across Italy, Australia, the UAE, Thailand, Iran and Pakistan. The agency alleged the proceeds from the smuggling and distribution of narcotics were being channelled to finance terrorist activities associated with the Pakistan‑based Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT).
On completion of the attachment proceedings, the NIA reported that the attachment order was served, read out, affixed at the properties and an attachment memorandum was prepared. The agency did not disclose further operational details of the properties or the quantum of assets attached.
Local consequences and ongoing probe
The move to attach immovable assets in Amritsar under anti‑terror legislation highlights the local footprint of a case with international reach. For residents of the areas where the properties are located, the development brings law‑enforcement attention and procedural activity, including the recording of attachments in municipal and revenue records.
So far, 26 accused persons have been arrested in the matter, the NIA said. The agency continues to investigate the financing and logistics chain of the network and to trace further proceeds and assets connected to the smuggling operation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Case name | Salaya drug seizure |
| Seizure | 500 kg heroin |
| Properties attached | Phase‑I Akash Vihar; Sultanwind, Amritsar |
| Registered owner | Anwar Masih |
| Countries linked | Italy, Australia, UAE, Thailand, Iran, Pakistan |
| Arrests so far | 26 |
The agency's statement framed the arrests and attachments as part of a larger effort to disrupt networks that allegedly blur the lines between organised narcotics trafficking and terror financing. Legal proceedings for attachment under anti‑terror provisions remain in force while the probe advances.
Local authorities and revenue officials assisted the agency during the attachment process, the NIA noted. Future actions may include further asset seizures, international cooperation requests and additional arrests as the investigation proceeds.
Residents and property holders in affected neighbourhoods may encounter administrative follow‑up as records are updated and agencies carry out required formalities. The NIA did not indicate a timeline for bringing any attached assets before a court for confirmation of the attachment.
