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Vacuum-sealed packets of hydroponic weed and bags seized by customs officials. ((@cbic_india/X via PTI Photo)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a detailed chargesheet against the alleged mastermind of a Pakistan-linked arms and narcotics trafficking network, exposing what they said was a sophisticated cross-border supply chain operating across northern India.
In its chargesheet submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jaipur, the agency identified Vishal Pachar as the principal accused. He was booked under several provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, the NDPS Act, and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to investigators, Pachar allegedly played a pivotal role in procuring, transporting, and distributing prohibited firearms, ammunition, and narcotics as part of a network active in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab.
Pachar allegedly received direct support from Pakistan-based associates. As per the NIA probe, the operatives allegedly facilitated large-scale smuggling of weapons, ammunition, and heroin into India. The consignments, investigators said, were dropped near border areas using high-powered drones — a method increasingly adopted by cross-border gangs. Members of the network would then retrieve the packages from the Indian side and route them to different states for further distribution.
A press note released by the NIA said investigators also found that the gang actively procured illegal foreign-made weapons to strengthen its arsenal and prepare for potential confrontations with police and other enforcement agencies. The use of encrypted communication platforms, covert messaging applications, and cross-border couriers added another layer of complexity to the smuggling operations.
According to NIA findings, the trafficking network allegedly built a strong nexus between illegal arms suppliers and narcotics traffickers. The syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable youth by pushing psychotropic substances with the intention of expanding drug dependence and creating broader social instability. The agency noted that the supply of arms and drugs served a dual purpose — financing the gang’s activities and enabling anti-state elements to operate more freely.
The NIA, which took over the probe from the Rajasthan Police earlier this year, said the case reflects a well-orchestrated attempt by Pakistan-based handlers to destabilise regions in northern India through a flow of weapons and narcotics.
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Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace the wider network of facilitators, suppliers, and operatives who may have been involved in the smuggling operations.
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