International drug smuggler Salim Dola arrested by ATS in Vadodara drug case

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested international drug smuggler Salim Ismail Dola. The arrest has been made in connection with a case from 2022, where mephedrone worth ₹438.64 crore was seized from a factory in Vadodara. According to ATS Assistant Commissioner Officer S.L. Chaudhary, the accused Salim Dola was taken into custody on 31 October.

Providing details of the case, officials stated that Salim Dola used to supply chemicals used in the drug manufacturing process and subsequently purchased and sold the finished drug products. Narcotic substances were being sent abroad by hiding them in containers of goods legally exported by the syndicate. To facilitate this operation, dummy companies were also established in various countries.

On 1 December, 2022, the ATS had raided a drug manufacturing unit located near Sindhrot village in Vadodara district. During these raids, 87.728 kg of mephedrone (MD) was seized, which has a value of ₹438.64 crore in the international market. A total of 10 accused have been arrested so far in this case under the NDPS Act. Following the emergence of Salim Dola's name during the investigation and information regarding his operation of a drug network from abroad, a search was initiated.

Giving more information about Salim Dola, officials stated that he used to travel from Mumbai to Dubai and subsequently to various countries including Kenya. Based on the efforts of Indian agencies and a Red Corner Notice, he was traced from Turkey and brought back to India at the beginning of this year. Earlier, in March 2024, a Red Notice was issued by Interpol upon India's request, based on which he was brought from Turkey by the NCB in April.

The investigation has revealed that mephedrone produced in the Vadodara factory was being transported to Mumbai and delivered to Dola's associates there. Salim Dola is considered a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim. He was also previously linked with Iqbal Mirchi and used to smuggle drugs for Mirchi in the 1990s. Subsequently, he developed an international network along with his associates. His history of drug-related cases dates back to 1998, when he was caught with approximately 40 kg of Mandrax at the Mumbai International Airport. Numerous drug smuggling cases are registered against him in India, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also initiated an investigation into his financial transactions and money laundering.

Currently, Salim Dola is being interrogated by the ATS. The objective of the investigation is to obtain information regarding the source of chemicals, financial transactions, distribution channels, and the involvement of other members in this network. According to the ATS, approximately dozens of cases related to narcotics are registered against him across the country.