New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) The narcotics trade has long been a significant means for the ISI to finance its terror infrastructure. Indian agencies have been intensifying their efforts against the narcotics business, which is entirely under the control of the ISI-backed Dawood Ibrahim. In response to increasing pressure, the Dawood gang has been compelled to broaden its network to mitigate financial losses.

The D-syndicate has established operations in Bangladesh and is also eyeing expansion into Saudi Arabia to enhance its drug trafficking activities. As conditions in India become increasingly restrictive for the syndicate, Bangladesh emerges as an ideal location for expanding their narcotics trade.

The ISI has directed the D-syndicate to utilize Bangladesh as a primary launch point for pushing drugs into the Indian market. The regime's favorable stance towards Pakistan is something the ISI is exploiting.

Moreover, the ISI has instructed the Dawood gang to use Bangladesh for smuggling drugs not only into India but also to Western and Middle Eastern nations. The D-syndicate is already in the process of establishing modules and various channels for drug smuggling. Recruitment efforts are underway to enlist numerous youths to facilitate the drug trade, including forming alliances with the drug mafia in Myanmar.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau predicts that the operations in Bangladesh will be extensive. The ISI aims to leverage all available resources to make Bangladesh its central hub for narcotics smuggling.

This shift indicates a reduced focus on Pakistan, traditionally seen as the epicenter of the drug trade. In light of investigations by organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) into terror funding, attention is likely to shift towards Bangladesh instead of Pakistan.

Pakistan is keen to avoid scrutiny from the FATF due to its struggling economy. A return to the FATF's Grey List could lead to economic collapse, especially as it is under pressure from China to support the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project 2.0 (CPEC).

Additionally, Pakistan is targeting the lucrative market in Saudi Arabia, bolstered by a recent nuclear and military agreement. The ISI is strategizing to exploit this relationship by utilizing Pakistani nationals residing in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking. The D-syndicate is currently identifying young individuals in Saudi Arabia to facilitate this trade.

The plan aims to bolster the drug supply chain in Saudi Arabia through the involvement of Pakistani expatriates. However, Indian officials note that the focus will be on individuals living there illegally, whom the ISI may coerce into cooperating with the Dawood gang due to their vulnerable status.

Approximately a decade ago, the Dawood network collaborated with both Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram. Although these ties diminished over time, intelligence agencies report that they have been revived. This renewed partnership means that both terror organizations may supply drugs to the Dawood network in exchange for substantial financial support. This arrangement is essential for the funding necessary for their recruitment and training efforts.

An official emphasized that the ISI's escalation of narcotics operations poses a significant threat not just to India but to various other nations as well. Addressing this issue will require coordinated international efforts.