Salim Dola, an alleged drug trafficker, has been extradited to India from Turkey and was arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday. His arrest is linked to a significant drug haul that occurred in Vadodara in 2022. The operation resulted in the recovery of over 80 kg of MD drugs, commonly referred to as ecstasy, with an estimated value of Rs 438 crore.

Dola, who is reportedly associated with the fugitive gangster-terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, was brought back to India in April 2023. His name emerged during the investigation into the Vadodara drug bust following the interrogation of ten individuals who were initially arrested in connection with the case.

The ATS has indicated that Dola was wanted for his alleged role in financing a narcotics manufacturing unit. He is accused of supplying the necessary chemicals for drug production and facilitating the sale and distribution of the illicit substances.

Details of the Drug Haul

The case against Dola stems from a raid that resulted in the seizure of 87.728 kg of MD drugs, valued at Rs 438.64 crore. The Gujarat ATS has been investigating the operations of Dola, who is believed to have played a crucial role in a transnational synthetic drug trafficking network. This network reportedly spans several countries and utilises clandestine laboratories and factories across India.

Sources have disclosed that Dola’s drug cartel was involved in smuggling operations amounting to over Rs 5,000 crore annually. However, there are no available estimates regarding the total revenues generated by the transnational syndicate. The extensive nature of this network highlights the significant challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking.

In a related development, Dola’s son, Taher Dola, was detained last year in the United Arab Emirates during a joint operation involving local authorities and Interpol. Taher was subsequently extradited to India in June 2025. Furthermore, Salim Mohammed Sohail Shaikh, a close associate of Dola, was deported from Dubai and arrested by the Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell for his involvement in multiple drug-related cases.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

Salim Dola and his associates are facing numerous charges related to drug smuggling, manufacturing, and other criminal activities in India. Additionally, they are under investigation for money laundering by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The legal proceedings against them are ongoing, and authorities are working to gather further evidence to support their cases.

Dola’s extradition was facilitated by a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol, based on a request from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This notice was linked to various criminal cases filed against him, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations and the international dimensions of his activities.

Salim Dola has a lengthy criminal history, with his first arrest occurring in 1998 at Mumbai airport, where he was found in possession of approximately 40 kg of mandrax, a synthetic sedative. More than a decade later, in 2013, he was apprehended by the Mumbai Police’s Anti-Narcotics Cell with around 79 kg of charas. His name has surfaced in multiple investigations since then, with around 15 cases registered against him across various jurisdictions in India.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share