New Delhi: India has alerted security agencies in Sri Lanka over an active Liberation Tiger of Tamil Elam (LTTE) drug syndicate operating in the region on Friday. The development took place following the interrogation of a few arrested drug traffickers by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They were also found to be LTTE sympathizers.
A senior official in NIA told ETV Bharat that information has been shared with the security agencies in Sri Lanka. What has raised concern for the NIA is the fact that Pakistani smugglers may be using LTTE networks to smuggle drugs and weapons into Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
"There is every positivity that Pakistani drug racketeers may use the LTTE networks to pump contraband and send into India," the official said. In a recent raid in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the NIA has arrested two persons with their connections with several underground organisations.
NIA's raid took place a few days after a coast guard team seized 300 kg heroin, five AK-47 rifle and 1,000 live rounds during patrolling of Vizhinjam cost in the Arabian sea.
Following the searches and interrogation by the NIA, incriminating documents including books of LTTE, seven digital devices including mobile phones, SIM cards were seized. "The interrogation of the arrested duo further revealed that they have been working in close connection with the Pakistan based elements," the NIA official said.
The official went on to add that the Pakistani drug racketeers might be trying to smuggle drugs and arms in the Indian states with the help of LTTE networks. "We have alerted security agencies in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala," the official added.
It may be mentioned here that both India and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance intelligence sharing to tackle common threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering. Both countries have revived their maritime security cooperation dialogue last year.
