13 May,2026 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Salim Dola in police custody. File Photo
The Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday took custody of alleged drug trafficker Salim Dola, said to be a close aide of underworld fugitive Dawood Ibrahim, in connection with the 2024 Sangli MD drug manufacturing case valued at around Rs 253 crore, reported IANS.
Officials said Dola was taken into custody for further interrogation after the Special NDPS Court allowed the Crime Branch's plea seeking his custodial interrogation, reported IANS.
He is expected to be produced before a Mumbai court as investigators continue to probe the alleged international narcotics network linked to the case.
Before being handed over to the Crime Branch, Dola had been lodged at Arthur Road Jail.
The case relates to a major raid conducted by investigators in March 2024 at an alleged illegal mephedrone (MD) manufacturing unit in Maharashtra's Sangli district, reported IANS.
During the operation, police seized 122 kilograms of MD drugs along with cash and gold collectively valued at nearly Rs 253 crore, reported IANS.
Six accused were arrested at the time, including alleged factory operator Pravin Shinde.
According to Mumbai Police, the investigation later revealed that Salim Dola allegedly played a key role in financing the drug manufacturing operations and overseeing the transportation network used for distributing narcotics, reported IANS.
Officials suspect the racket had links extending beyond Maharashtra and involved an organised interstate and international supply chain.
The Mumbai Crime Branch's Unit 7 has been investigating the wider network connected to the case.
Officials said Salim Dola's custody is considered crucial to uncovering the financial trail, overseas connections and operational structure of the narcotics syndicate, reported IANS.
Earlier in the investigation, the Crime Branch had arrested Taher Dola and another accused, Kubbawala, after they were extradited from Dubai in connection with the same drug racket.
Police said Salim Dola was formally taken into custody from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to facilitate further questioning regarding the alleged trafficking network and its international links.
Investigators said Salim Dola, 59, had been absconding from Indian law enforcement agencies for several years and was wanted in multiple narcotics trafficking cases, reported IANS.
An Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against him in March 2024 at India's request.
According to officials, Dola has a criminal record spanning nearly two decades and has allegedly been linked to several major seizures involving heroin, charas, mephedrone, methamphetamine and Mandrax in Maharashtra and Gujarat, reported IANS.
Investigative agencies have repeatedly identified him as a major supplier in drug distribution networks operating across parts of India.
Apart from Mumbai Police, Dola was also wanted by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in separate narcotics-related investigations.
The latest developments indicate that agencies are now intensifying efforts to dismantle the broader organised crime network allegedly connected to the drug manufacturing operation.
Police believe custodial interrogation of Salim Dola could help investigators trace additional accused, funding channels and overseas connections associated with the racket.
Officials are also examining possible links between the narcotics network and organised criminal syndicates operating outside India.
The investigation into the Sangli MD drug case remains ongoing.
(With inputs from IANS)
