In a significant breakthrough for Indian security agencies, notorious drug mafia Salim Dola, considered a major player in the international drug network, has been apprehended in Turkey. Indian security agencies have confirmed the development. Turkish security forces conducted a major operation in Istanbul to arrest the Indian drug kingpin. Dola had been operating an extensive international drug trafficking network for a long period.
Deep Connections with Dawood Ibrahim and D-Company
According to officials from security agencies, Salim Dola has long-standing ties with the underworld. His father worked with Dawood Ibrahim in Mumbai for many years, while following his father's path, Salim Dola began working for the 'D-Company' in Dubai. After leaving Mumbai, he expanded his network across several countries. Sources indicate that Dola was connected to a global synthetic drug network with tentacles spread across multiple nations. Most notably, the links of this drug racket are reportedly connected to the network of India's most wanted underworld don, Dawood Ibrahim.
Operations from Dubai and Recent Crackdowns
Salim Dola, a close confidant of Dawood Ibrahim, was operating his entire drug syndicate initially from Mumbai and later from Dubai. Indian agencies have been systematically dismantling his network. Earlier, in October 2025, the Mumbai Crime Branch successfully extradited Dola's key associate, Mohammad Salim Sohail Sheikh, from Dubai to India. On top of that, in November 2025, the Mumbai Police brought Dola's son, Tahir Dola, along with four other family members from Dubai to India and placed them under arrest.
Bounty, Red Corner Notice, and Legal Status
The legal net has been tightening around Salim Dola for some time. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has declared a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to his capture. On top of that, a Red Corner Notice (RCN) has been issued against him internationally. The Mumbai Police has also issued an RCN against Dola. Originally active in Mumbai's Dongri area for a long duration, Salim Dola is recognized as a key figure in Dawood Ibrahim's inner circle.
Challenges in Extradition and Deportation
Despite his arrest, bringing Salim Dola back to India involves complex diplomatic hurdles, while according to security agencies, Dola holds a passport from Saudi Arabia. Due to the legal frameworks of the country where he was apprehended (Turkey), direct deportation or extradition to India is currently complicated. Consequently, security agencies are working through international forums and utilizing the UAE route to facilitate his transfer to India. Officials believe that Dola's arrest could lead to major revelations regarding the global drug trafficking infrastructure.