Bollywood Connections Emerge in Massive Drug Investigation
The Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell has intensified its probe into a sprawling drug network that now appears to connect a Sangli-based manufacturing unit to Bollywood's elite. The investigation, which began in 2022, has taken a dramatic turn with summons issued to prominent figures including Shakti Kapoor's son Siddhanth Kapoor and social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry.
The Sangli Factory Bust and International Connections
On March 24, 2024, the Mumbai Crime Branch made a significant breakthrough when they raided a factory in Sangli, located approximately 350 kilometers from Mumbai. The operation resulted in the seizure of 122 kg of high-quality mephedrone valued at approximately Rs 253 crore, along with substantial amounts of cash, gold ornaments, and a vehicle. Six individuals were arrested during this operation.
This factory was already under scrutiny by the Anti-Narcotics Cell in connection with a separate 2022 case where two arrests had previously been made. The investigation has since expanded internationally, with authorities securing the deportation from the UAE of at least three key suspects, including the son of alleged drug lord Salim Dola, who is believed to manage the narcotics operations of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.
Celebrity Drug Parties Under Scanner
According to police sources, the current round of summons stems from statements made by one of the deported suspects, Mohammad Sohail Shaikh alias 'Lavish'. During interrogation, Lavish claimed that he organized exclusive "drug parties" both within India and abroad that were attended by various celebrities. His testimony suggests that the Dola cartel regularly supplied narcotics to these high-profile gatherings.
While Siddhanth Kapoor appeared before the Anti-Narcotics Cell on Tuesday, Orry is expected to present himself on Wednesday, having previously skipped his summons citing his absence from the city. The investigation has also mentioned other celebrities, including Siddhanth's sister and several politicians, during court proceedings when seeking further remand for Lavish on November 13.
Following the mention of her name in police documents, actress Nora Fatehi took to social media to vehemently deny any involvement, stating: "I DON'T go to Parties... I'm constantly on flights... I'm a workaholic, I don't have a personal life... It seems like my name is an easy target! But I won't allow it to happen...!"
The 2022 Case: Origins and Developments
The current investigation traces back to August 4, 2022, when the Ghatkopar unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell arrested Mohammad Shahrukh Shaikh (28) with 995 grams of mephedrone worth Rs 1 lakh. Subsequent searches revealed additional contraband at his residence. Police discovered that Shaikh had obtained a passport using forged documents specifically to travel to Dubai and meet the suspected head of the drug cartel.
The investigation led to the arrest of two additional individuals—Fazle Siddique and Mohammad Gulfaraz Shaikh—for their alleged involvement in the network supplying mephedrone to Mumbai. A chargesheet was subsequently filed in the case.
Authorities also obtained a non-bailable warrant against Salman Salim Shaikh alias Shera, who was believed to be hiding in Dubai. On November 2 this year, police successfully secured his deportation from Dubai, and the Anti-Narcotics Cell took him into custody.
During interrogation, Shera reportedly confessed to working for Salim Dola and provided crucial evidence, including two deleted screenshots from his phone containing instructions about equipment and chemicals required for manufacturing mephedrone. Shera also identified Lavish, Salim Dola, and an individual known as 'Ray' as key figures involved in arranging the mephedrone seized in the 2022 case.
The individual known as 'Ray' was later identified as Mohammad Mustafa, who, along with an accomplice named Govind, allegedly procured drugs from the Sangli-based factory and distributed them to local drug peddlers in Mumbai. This connection ultimately led to the 2024 bust of the Sangli facility by the Crime Branch.
On November 5, the Anti-Narcotics Cell took custody of Lavish, whose subsequent statements about the "drug parties" organized by the Dola cartel have brought Bollywood under the investigation's spotlight.
An investigating officer confirmed, "We will be calling those named by 'Lavish' to record their statement in light of the grave allegations by the accused. The next course of action will depend on the evidence that is found."
