NIA has carried out searches at 18 locations in five States and one Union Territory. File

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has carried out searches at 18 locations in five States and one Union Territory in a case linked to Pakistan-backed smuggling of arms and narcotics by “Khalistani” operatives.

“Several electronic devices and other incriminating materials were seized during the searches, conducted on Thursday [April 24] at 18 locations in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka,” the agency said.

It said: “NIA teams are examining the seized items to unravel the entire conspiracy behind the smuggling and the radicalisation of individuals in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and other parts of India.”

The premises covered under the operation were of individuals suspected to be connected to Pakistan-based entities. The case was registered last year.

“NIA investigations have further revealed that these entities have been conspiring via social media platforms, and are in regular contact with foreign-based handlers suspected to be pro-Khalistani elements, as part of the conspiracy aimed at destabilising India,” the NIA said.