A Mumbai court has granted the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) custody of alleged international drug trafficker Salim Ismail Dola until May 8. Dola, who is reportedly an associate of Dawood Ibrahim, was recently apprehended at a Delhi airport after nearly two years on the run.
The Case and Investigation
The current proceedings stem from a June 2023 drug bust where 20 kg of mephedrone was seized. The NCB alleges that Dola was the primary international supplier for this consignment. Key details from the investigation include:
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The Network: The agency claims co-accused Faisal Javed Shaikh acted as the kingpin, allegedly receiving 40 kg of mephedrone monthly from Dola.
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The Logistics: Transactions reportedly occurred via WhatsApp, with delivery points localized near JJ Hospital in South Mumbai.
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Profit Margins: Shaikh allegedly admitted to buying the contraband at ₹7 lakh per kg and retailing it for ₹18 lakh per kg, yielding monthly profits of ₹40–50 lakh.
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Asset Seizure: Authorities have already frozen assets valued at ₹6.40 crore, believed to be proceeds from the narcotics trade.
Extensive Criminal History
The NCB emphasized that Dola is a repeat offender with links to several high-profile cases across India:
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Gujarat Case: Linked to the seizure of over 90 kg of mephedrone.
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2024 Multi-State Cartel: Alleged involvement in a sprawling drug network across different states.
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Historical Records: Involvement in a 2018 fentanyl seizure, a DRI gutkha smuggling case, and narcotics offenses dating as far back as 1998.
Defense Arguments
Dola’s defense counsel, Advocate Zehra Charania, challenged the arrest, arguing it was based purely on a co-accused’s statement rather than physical evidence. She also highlighted procedural inconsistencies regarding the remand process between the sessions court and the magistrate. Notably, she pointed out that the official remand application does not mention Dawood Ibrahim, despite the widespread media reports linking the two.
