Salim Dola (59), described as an associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, has been arrested in Istanbul by Turkish intelligence and local police. He was wanted in India in connection with narcotics cases.
Indian agencies say Dola faces 10 cases under the country’s anti-drug law. He is also named as a key accused in a case involving the seizure of mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 252 crore in Maharashtra’s Sangli district.
Based on intelligence inputs, Dola is believed to have played a major role in international synthetic drug trafficking, allegedly running an operation valued at around Rs 500 crore annually. Reports say he coordinated activities from Dubai and had close links with Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company.
Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice on India’s request. Authorities allege he was living in Istanbul using forged UAE identity documents.
With Dola now in Turkish custody, Indian intelligence agencies are working on ways to bring him to India. As India and Turkey do not have a direct extradition treaty, officials are exploring the possibility of routing the process through the UAE based on the fake passport he carried. Last year, Dola’s son Tahir Dola and an aide, Salim Mohammed Sohail Shaikh, were extradited from Dubai to India and arrested.
