The Dawood Ibrahim syndicate is believed to be colluding with the banned LTTE to move drugs through South India. The issue was flagged recently by intelligence agencies —with intercepts suggesting that the Mumbai-based crime group was in touch with former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam members. The two have long-standing ties and remain engaged with common networks for various illegal activities.
According to an IANS report citing intelligence agencies, D-syndicate members are now in touch with former LTTE operatives and sympathisers in order to pursue their trade ventures. The crime group is also believed to be tapping into the banned militant organisation’s network — both in Sri Lanka and India to help further their drug business. The development also comes at a time when the crime syndicate has been facing severe losses in its operations that are carried out mainly in Maharashtra, Gujarat and other northern states.
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The update comes mere weeks after another IANS report revealed that the crime syndicate was deviating from high-surveillance cities into rural areas. They now manufacture drugs in these remote locations before supplying them to major cities. A raid near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh had unearthed a multi-crore synthetic drug factory that was being run on the orders of Dawood Ibrahim — making enough chemicals to make drugs that could supply an entire country.
LTTE attempting a comeback?
As per findings from the National Investigation Agency, the banned Sri Lankan organisation is now attempting a comeback. The NIA also learnt that some of its operatives who managed to escape action were trying to withdraw money from some foreign banks. The agencies suspect that the funds were meant to revive the outfit. It is pertinent to note that the financial strength of the D-gang makes for a formidable ally to the LTTE.
The organisation had shattered in May 2009 after being defeated by Sri Lankan forces. An official told IANS that given the current situation, a revival of the LTTE looks too far-fetched. Their ideology is “close to dead”, and not many would want to take the violent path. However, despite all the odds, attempts are still being made to stage a comeback.
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For the D gang, this tie-up would be more suited as the area of operation is well known to the LTTE cadres. They are familiar with the routes both on land and sea, and this expertise and experience would help the D gang.
The D gang, making inroads into the entire southern market, is a bigger worry for the agencies as opposed to the revival of the LTTE. It is not as though the LTTE has not attempted to smuggle drugs in a bid to raise funds.
(With inputs from agencies) |
