• Says ready to counter any illegal activities

In the wake of reports that Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered a new alliance between Indian organised crime group Dawood Ibrahim syndicate and remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Ministry of Public Security stated the Police and other relevant authorities would take firm action against any illegal activity taking place within Sri Lanka.

Responding to questions about the alleged collaboration, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told The Daily Morning that he was not aware of this particular information but added the Government has already launched a major programme to combat the drug trade.

“I am not aware of this specific matter. However, we have launched a massive programme to combat the drug trade. Therefore, if there is any illegal activity taking place, we will take action. The Police may have received this information, and they will act accordingly.”

This statement comes after Indian intelligence agencies reportedly issued a high-level alert warning that the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, also known as the D-syndicate, is joining forces with former LTTE operatives to expand its narcotics network through South India and Sri Lanka.

According to the alert, the D-syndicate has suffered heavy losses in western and northern India due to intensified law enforcement operations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other states. Seeking new routes, the group is now said to be using the LTTE’s old smuggling network across Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka to transport drugs.