New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS) — The ISI-backed Dawood Ibrahim network has reportedly relocated a major part of its narcotics operations to Bangladesh, as Indian intelligence agencies continue to tighten surveillance on its activities. The move aims to bypass global scrutiny and maintain revenue flow for terror financing.
According to intelligence sources, the ISI has directed the D-syndicate to use Bangladesh as the main hub for smuggling drugs into India and other regions, including Western and Middle Eastern markets. The gang has already established local networks, recruited youth, and forged ties with Myanmar-based drug cartels to expand its reach.
Officials suggest that shifting the base from Pakistan to Bangladesh helps Islamabad evade attention from international watchdogs like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which has previously flagged Pakistan for terror funding. Meanwhile, the ISI also plans to exploit its growing ties with Saudi Arabia by using Pakistani nationals, especially those staying illegally, to push drugs in the Gulf region.
Sources indicate that Dawood’s brother, Anees Ibrahim, will oversee the new network, with renewed links to terror outfits such as Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram. The development, officials warn, poses a serious transnational security threat requiring coordinated global action.
