Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis are urging the federal government to formally designate the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist organization, citing the group’s ties to violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings in Canada and abroad.In a joint statement issued Monday, the officials described the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as a transnational criminal network with global reach and violent intent. They said classifying the group as a terrorist entity would give law enforcement better tools to dismantle it..“We stand with B.C. Premier David Eby and other officials across Canada in calling for immediate federal action,” the statement said. “The federal government must use every tool available to dismantle this network and keep Canadians safe.”Smith and Ellis said Alberta is determined to block gang influence at the provincial level and wants to make clear the Bishnoi Gang is not welcome.“Formally designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity will unlock critical powers,” they said, adding that it would help local law enforcement agencies disrupt operations and better protect residents.The statement also highlighted that South Asian communities in Alberta and across Canada have been disproportionately affected by the gang’s activities.“The time for action is now,” the officials said, calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to act swiftly.
