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Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) secured a massive breakthrough as it has arrested an international drug trafficker and associate of fugitive underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim in connection with the seizure of mephedrone valued at Rs 438.64 crore from a Vadodara factory in 2022.
Dola, who was deported to India from Turkey earlier in the year, was wanted in multiple narcotics trafficking cases across the country. The Gujarat ATS took him into custody on October 31.
Who is Salim Ismail Dola?
Dola, 59, is a Mumbai-based alleged drug trafficker who is accused of operating a transnational narcotics network with links across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, he was wanted in several drug trafficking cases and was hiding from Indian law enforcement agencies.
Interpol had issued a red notice on Dola at India's request in March 2024. Investigators have linked him to high-value drug seizures involving heroin, charas, mephedrone, mandrax, and methamphetamine in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The authorities have described his alleged role as that of a bulk supplier to drug distribution networks operating in India. He has also been linked to Dawood Ibrahim's underworld network.
What is the Rs 438-crore Vadodara drug case?
The case dates back to December 1, 2022, when the Gujarat ATS raided an illegal drug manufacturing unit in Sindhrot village in Vadodara district.
The operation led to the seizure of 87.728 kg of mephedrone, commonly known as MD drugs, valued at around Rs 438.64 crore in the international market. Ten people were arrested in connection with the case.
During the investigation, officials allegedly found links between one of the accused, Soumil Pathak, and Dola. Investigators suspect that Pathak was involved with Dola in the manufacturing and distribution of narcotic substances. Dola was subsequently named as a wanted accused in the case.
The Gujarat ATS will now question him about his alleged role in the drug manufacturing unit, the supply chain and the wider network involved in the operation.
How was Salim Dola brought back to India?
Dola was detained in Turkey following coordinated efforts involving Turkish authorities and Indian agencies. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), working with international and Indian intelligence agencies, secured his return under Operation Global-Hunt.
He was brought to Delhi on April 28, 2026, and taken into NCB custody. His return followed an Interpol Red Notice issued in March 2024.
Drug cases and investigations against Dola
Dola's name has surfaced in several narcotics investigations over the years. His criminal record, as outlined by Indian agencies, includes an arrest in 1998 in connection with the seizure of around 40 kg of mandrax at Mumbai airport.
He has also been linked to investigations involving a large fentanyl seizure, mephedrone trafficking and alleged gutkha smuggling. In June 2026, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple locations in Mumbai and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation into the alleged transnational drug syndicate operated by Dola and his associates.
The ED's investigation is examining the alleged network of precursor chemical suppliers, drug manufacturers, distributors, hawala operators and individuals suspected of holding properties acquired using proceeds from narcotics trafficking.
The Gujarat ATS's interrogation is expected to focus on Dola's alleged involvement in the Vadodara case and the wider network behind the drug manufacturing and distribution operations.
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