Alberta premier urges Canadian PM to designate Lawrence Bishnoi gang as ‘terrorist entity’

“The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent,” Smith said.

The Alberta Premier also said that formally designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity “will unlock critical powers, allowing provincial and municipal-level law enforcement agencies to access the necessary tools and resources needed to effectively disrupt operations and protect our people”.

“The time for action is now. Alberta’s government is asking the federal government and Prime Minister @MarkJCarney join them in taking a stand and act to protect Albertans and all Canadians,” she said.

The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent.

We know that gang activity knows no boundaries and… pic.twitter.com/wYwdAx3pfT

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) July 15, 2025

Declare Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist group, says BC premier

Earlier in June, British Columbia Premier David Eby had called for urgent federal action against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, stating that the group’s alleged operations extend across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, particularly targeting members of the South Asian community.

Citing a pattern of transnational organised crime, he said that existing law enforcement powers may fall short, and a terrorist designation would allow police to use enhanced legal tools.

“This is a serious step,” Eby said. “It gives police significant investigative tools. We don’t make this recommendation lightly, but this activity strikes at public confidence in the justice system, in our democracy and in the safety of the community, and it erodes public confidence in the rule of law.”

“They need additional tools to respond to the fact that this is transnational organised crime,” he added. “This is more in the nature of terrorism than it is traditional crime. The community is terrified, and action needs to be taken.”

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has described Lawrence Bishnoi as running a “terror syndicate” from Indian jails, with operations extending to Canada through local associates. The Bishnoi gang has been under increased scrutiny since the killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, which its members allegedly orchestrated.