Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered a transnational narcotics network linking Mexican drug cartels, the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, and insurgent groups operating across Myanmar and India's northeast, with the alleged aim of using India as a production and transit hub for drugs destined for the United States and Europe. The development, flagged by senior Intelligence Bureau officials, marks a significant shift in the operational structure of international drug trafficking networks, according to intelligence assessments.

Why Cartels Are Converging

Intensified enforcement pressure — both in India and the United States — has reportedly pushed previously siloed criminal organisations toward a unified operating model. An Intelligence Bureau official said the traditional arrangement, whereby cartels maintained distinct geographic jurisdictions, is giving way to cross-network collaboration. 'These cartels realise that it would be best to work as one rather than independently. They feel that functioning together would make the job of the Indian agencies harder,' the official said.

Mexican cartels, in particular, have faced mounting difficulty in procuring precursor chemicals such as pseudoephedrine — a key ingredient in methamphetamine production — following tightened enforcement by US agencies. According to officials, this shortage has driven them to seek alternative supply routes through insurgent-held territories in Myanmar and India's northeast, exploiting porous border stretches to smuggle precursors into the country.

The CJNG–Dawood Connection

Officials say recent intelligence intercepts have revealed direct communications between Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug trafficking organisations, and Haji Salim, who reportedly manages the D-Syndicate's South India operations. 'Recent chatter that the Indian intelligence agencies have intercepted points to the direct links between the Mexican Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and Haji Salim,' an official said. Salim has, according to officials, suffered significant operational setbacks owing to recent Indian law enforcement successes.

Officials indicate that the alliance between the D-Syndicate and Mexican cartels is partly a response to these losses — a consolidation strategy aimed at reducing exposure to interdiction. Notably, the proceeds from this narcotics network are also allegedly used to fund arms trafficking, with Pakistan-based elements of the cartel reportedly channelling revenue to terror groups operating against the Indian state.

Major Seizures Between 2024 and 2026

Indian agencies have recorded three significant at-sea drug busts between 2024 and 2026, with at least two directly linked to Mexican and South American cartels.

In November 2024, the Indian Coast Guard seized 6,016.87 kg of methamphetamine worth ₹36,000 crore in the Andaman Sea from a Myanmar-registered vessel. The consignment was linked to the CJNG. In May 2025, a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recovered 115 kg of cocaine valued at ₹1,150 crore off the Mundra Coast in Gujarat; the shipment was traced to South American origins. Most recently, in September 2026, 524 kg of methamphetamine worth ₹3,000 crore was seized in the Arabian Sea, approximately 160 nautical miles northwest of Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals, all reportedly linked to Haji Salim, were arrested in the operation.

Northeast Insurgency and Terror Financing Concerns

Officials warn that the emerging narco-nexus carries national security implications beyond drug trafficking. In India's northeast, the proceeds of drug and arms smuggling are allegedly being funnelled to insurgent groups, sustaining local militancy. 'Both the insurgent groups in the Northeast and the Pakistan-based drug syndicates have a lot to gain from this association with the Mexican cartels. First, the operations would be unified, and this makes it harder for the Indian agencies. Secondly, the money that would be generated by working alongside the Mexican cartels is much bigger, and this helps in both fuelling terror and insurgency that would have an impact on India's national security,' officials said.

This comes amid a broader government push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration toward a drug-free India, which officials say has directly contributed to the desperation driving these alliances. As enforcement tightens, security agencies are now recalibrating strategies to address the more complex, hydra-headed network that appears to be emerging.