Alleged drug kingpin and Dawood Ibrahim’s aide detained in Türkiye

Salim Dola (59), an alleged narcotics trafficker and associate of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, has been reportedly detained in Istanbul in a joint operation by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation and local police.

Dola, a native of Dongri in Mumbai who allegedly fled India around 2015-16, is wanted in multiple cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. An Interpol Red Notice had been issued against him, officials said, adding that extradition proceedings are expected to be initiated to bring him to India for trial.

Investigators said Dola was tracked after it emerged that he was using forged UAE identification documents to conceal his identity and movement across countries. Officials described the detention as a major blow to an international narcotics syndicate operating across India and the Middle East.

As per reports, the network is involved in the manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, with Dola allegedly coordinating international suppliers, financial channels and distribution networks using hawala routes and fake travel documents.

The arrest is linked to an ongoing probe into a major mephedrone (MD) seizure worth over ₹252 crore in Mumbai. Dola’s son, Tahir Salim Dola (30), was deported last year after his name surfaced in the case.

The investigation began on February 15, 2024, when the Anti-Narcotics Cell of Mumbai Police arrested a woman courier near Sayaji Pagare Chawl with 641 grams of mephedrone, ₹12.2 lakh in cash, gold jewellery and a mobile phone.

During questioning, she allegedly revealed links to Dubai-based handlers, including Dola and Mohammed Salim Sohail Shaikh alias Lavish, along with an Indian associate.

Subsequent raids led to the busting of a clandestine drug manufacturing unit in Sangli district, where police seized 123 kg of mephedrone along with laboratory equipment.

Officials said Shaikh, who was later deported from Dubai, played a key role in logistics and distribution. During interrogation, he allegedly claimed that drugs were supplied at several parties in India and abroad and named certain public figures.

However, police reportedly said no evidence was found against those named during the probe, and they would not be included in the chargesheet to be filed soon.

Further investigation is under way.