The Mumbai zonal office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Wednesday took custody of alleged druglord Salim Dola from its Delhi counterpart in connection with multiple cases registered against him in Mumbai.
Dola to be Produced Before Special NDPS Court
Officials stated that Dola will be produced before a special NDPS court on Thursday regarding a 2024 case in which he is listed as a wanted accused. Sources indicated that after the NCB's proceedings, other agencies including the Mumbai crime branch, anti-narcotics cell, and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are likely to seek his custody.
Background of Salim Dola
Dola, a known associate of fugitive terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, was brought to India from Istanbul following his detention in a joint operation by Turkish intelligence and local police. Originally from Dongri, Dola is believed to have operated a multistate and international narcotics syndicate from abroad after fleeing India nearly a decade ago. His criminal history dates back to the 1990s, including involvement in a mandrax seizure case at Mumbai airport.
NCB Case and Investigation
The NCB case stems from the arrest of Faisal Javed Shaikh, an alleged narco-criminal from Dongri, in May 2024 under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Authorities had frozen his assets worth Rs 6.4 crore, identified as proceeds of crime. Subsequent investigations by the ED revealed that Shaikh had been procuring mephedrone (MD), a banned synthetic drug, through Dola.
Money Laundering and Seizures
According to investigators, Shaikh and his wife, Alfiya Shaikh, had established a well-organized network for the distribution of MD. The couple allegedly laundered illicit earnings by depositing cash into personal bank accounts and routing funds through multiple accounts and shell companies to project them as legitimate income. In October last year, the ED's Mumbai zonal office conducted searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, seizing cash worth Rs 42 lakh, jewelry weighing 1.6 kg valued at around Rs 1.8 crore, three second-hand luxury vehicles worth around Rs 56 lakh, and freezing 12 bank accounts linked to the accused.
Future Custody and Pending Cases
Following the NCB's action, Mumbai police are expected to take Dola into custody in connection with multiple MD manufacturing cases registered against him and his son, Tahir. Sources indicated that Dola is wanted in over a dozen cases across the country, including major drug investigations linked to the busting of MD units in Mira-Bhayander, Mysuru, Sangli, Karjat, and Telangana. He had been on the fugitive list since 2018.
