Who is Salim Dola? How did drug kingpin's network spread from Dongri to Dubai? — Dawood's henchman nabbed in Istanbul
Security agencies have achieved a major breakthrough following the deportation of notorious drug trafficker Salim Dola from Turkey to India. He was arrested in Istanbul based on intelligence inputs provided by Indian agencies and has now been brought to Delhi for interrogation.
A Network Spanning from Dongri to Dubai
Salim Dola originally hailed from the Dongri area of Mumbai; however, he later relocated to Dubai, where he established his international drug trafficking network. It is reported that his syndicate spanned across India, Dubai, and several other countries, serving as the hub for the supply of synthetic drugs. According to sources, he is also alleged to have links with Dawood Ibrahim's 'D-Company.' Agencies believe that he had long served as a crucial link connecting the underworld with the drug trafficking network.
Dola had established a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate
Over the years Dola had established a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate spanning a number of countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. His two-decade long criminal antecedents include direct involvement in cases involving multiple high-value seizures of Heroin, Charas, Mephedrone, Mandrax and Methamphetamine in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Dola’s role consistently emerged as that of a bulk supplier to downstream distribution networks in India. Besides, he is also wanted by ATS Gujarat and the Mumbai Police.
How the Arrest Took Place
An operation was conducted in Turkey through the collaborative efforts of Indian agencies and international partners, leading to his arrest and subsequent repatriation to India. A Red Corner Notice had already been issued against him, and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had also announced a reward for his capture. Prior to this, his son and close associates had also been arrested in Dubai and brought to India—a move that had been exerting continuous pressure on his network.
Agencies now anticipate that the interrogation of Salim Dola could unearth several major secrets regarding international drug trafficking operations and facilitate access to the remaining links within his network.
Zero tolerance against Narco syndicate: Shah
In a post on X platform, Union Home MinisterAmit Shah said that “Zero tolerance against Narco syndicate. The NCB today made a major breakthrough in securing the return of notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye. Under Modi govt's mission to ruthlessly smash drug cartels, our anti-narcotics agencies have extended their claws across borders through a robust network of global agencies. Now no matter where they hide, no place is safe for drug kingpins.”