Is the D-Syndicate Expanding Its Narco Trade into Southern and Northeastern Routes?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The D-Syndicate is expanding its operations into southern and northeastern India.
- Intelligence agencies are focusing on disrupting their networks.
- Haji Salim is a key figure managing these new territories.
- Smuggling routes through Sri Lanka are being utilized for drug distribution.
- Increased vigilance is needed to combat this growing threat.
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) Recent months have seen a robust crackdown by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on the drug syndicate associated with Dawood Ibrahim in India.
The arrests of Danish Chikna and Mohammed Salim Sheikh have significantly impacted the Dawood network, prompting the syndicate to seek new opportunities.
As intelligence agencies intensify their scrutiny of operations in Maharashtra and surrounding regions, the D-Syndicate aims to broaden its network into the northeastern and southern states of India.
Actions will be mirrored in these regions, but it is crucial to dismantle the networks in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, traditionally known as the syndicate's strongholds.
Though Dawood Ibrahim has diversified his operations nationally, Maharashtra remains the primary control center.
Individuals affiliated with the network oversee businesses nationwide, making it essential to target their leadership to weaken their overall operations.
Currently, operations in the northeastern and southern regions are managed by Haji Salim, an agent for the ISI and a key figure in the Dawood network.
Salim has gained prominence in the D-Syndicate, especially with the silence of Chhota Shakeel, Dawood's right-hand man.
With Dawood's brother Anees Ibrahim overseeing international dealings, primarily in African countries, Salim now bears the responsibility for the Indian market.
Intelligence reports indicate that the ISI and the syndicate have directed Salim to concentrate on the southern and northeastern markets, viewing significant potential in these areas.
The northeastern route is appealing due to its connections to Myanmar. Additionally, with Bangladesh facilitating ISI operations, the syndicate sees further opportunities here.
In the South, a network is already established, primarily focusing on exporting drugs internationally. The syndicate plans to first smuggle narcotics into southern states, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu, before distributing them to international markets like Thailand via Sri Lanka.
An official from the Intelligence Bureau has indicated that the syndicate aims to import more drugs through Sri Lanka before distributing them in the Indian market.
Despite the vast international market, the syndicate remains committed to India due to high demand.
The syndicate not only seeks to recover losses from Maharashtra but also aims to mitigate the setbacks in Punjab.
Attempts to smuggle drugs into Punjab using couriers and drones have faced significant challenges due to increased security. Consequently, the Dawood network intends to exploit the southern route for substantial drug shipments to the Indian market.
The strategy involves using the Sri Lanka route for importing drugs and subsequently smuggling them into Tamil Nadu and Kerala for distribution.
Officials believe this approach could be simpler, as land routes for transporting goods within India generally attract less scrutiny compared to borders in Punjab or Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, smuggling drugs via land routes into India is expected to face fewer obstacles, increasing the likelihood of success.
Another official noted that the D-Syndicate is also leveraging the presence of illegal immigrants who have settled in South India. These individuals could serve as carriers to facilitate drug distribution throughout the Indian markets.