SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke on Wednesday announced that she was joining calls for the federal government to declare the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—and any other groups involved in extortion and violence targeting Canadians of South Asian descent —as terrorist organizations under Canadian law.
She said: “Whether these groups operate locally or internationally, this designation is a critical step in equipping law enforcement with the necessary tools to dismantle these dangerous networks and protect our residents and businesses.”
Locke said in a statement: “The violence and intimidation our community faces are unacceptable. We have seen a disturbing rise in extortions, threats of violence, and ongoing shootings linked to these criminal organizations. Such acts are not only criminal—they are economic terrorism. They destabilize our community’s safety, and we now have a public safety crisis.
“Declaring these gangs as terrorist entities will enable police to pursue them with greater authority, freeze assets, and strengthen investigations, ultimately making our streets safer. This step can make a real difference. It will provide law enforcement with expanded powers to dismantle these networks, seize illicit assets, and prevent further harm. It sends a clear message that such criminal activity will not be tolerated, and the full force of Canadian law will be used to protect our residents.”
Locke added: “However, I want to emphasize a vital point: our community members must feel confident to report these crimes. I continue to receive calls from residents who are too frightened to go to police. We must ask ourselves why they are scared. Fear should never silence victims or witnesses. I urge anyone experiencing extortion or threats to report these crimes immediately to police. Your courage can help law enforcement break these networks apart. Please preserve all evidence—messages, call logs, videos—and share it with authorities. Do not pay. My office is always here to support you, but community members must take that crucial step and report these crimes.”
The mayor said: “To the federal government: I urge you to declare these groups as terrorist organizations now. Give our police the tools they need to act decisively. To Premier [David] Eby, [Public Safety] Minister [Garry] Begg and Attorney-General [Niki] Sharma: you asked Surrey to bear the weight of a major police transition, and Surrey is playing its part in supporting it. But you must also do your part in ensuring that there is no public-safety gap and to ensure our residents are protected every step of the way.”
Locke said: “To our residents: do not stay silent out of fear. Report any extortion or threats. Your safety and the safety of our community depend on it.
“Together, with vigilance and decisive action, we will stand strong. We will not be intimidated. We will ensure that every family, every business, and every resident in our city can live, work, and walk safely. Our community’s spirit is unbreakable, and with the right support, we will prevail.”
