An alleged transnational drug trafficking figure with links to a larger criminal syndicate has been brought back to India after being detained abroad, with Indian agencies coordinating his return through international channels. The Narcotics Control Bureau took him into custody upon his arrival at Delhi’s IGI airport following deportation from Türkiye.
Background and Early Cases
Born in 1966 in Mumbai’s Byculla area, the accused was first arrested at the Mumbai airport on charges of attempting to smuggle mandrax tablets. In 2017, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence linked him to a gutkha smuggling case routed through Gujarat’s Pipavav port.
His name also surfaced in a fentanyl seizure case in 2018. He was later granted bail after samples of the seized material reportedly tested negative for fentanyl. It is alleged that he subsequently fled to the UAE. Agencies suspect his involvement in a 2024 mephedrone seizure case in Mumbai.
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Flight, Family Links and Seizure Cases
Investigators said that after leaving India, he remained active abroad. In June 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation coordinated the return of his son, Taher Salim Dola, from the UAE through Interpol channels in connection with a narcotics case. Taher was allegedly involved in operating a synthetic drug manufacturing facility in Sangli, Maharashtra.
Authorities stated that 126.141 kg of mephedrone, valued at ₹25.22 lakh, was seized from a factory allegedly linked to him and others. A case was registered at Kurla Police Station in connection with the seizure.
Interpol Notice and Arrest Abroad
Officials said the accused had been living in Beylikdüzü under a pseudonym, using a passport purportedly issued by the UAE. He was picked up by Turkish enforcement agencies based on inputs from Indian authorities. An Interpol Red Notice had been issued earlier at India’s request.
Zero tolerance against Narco syndicate.
The @narcoticsbureau today made a major breakthrough in securing the return of notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye. Under Modi govt’s mission to ruthlessly smash drug cartels, our anti-narcotics agencies have…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 28, 2026
According to agencies, he is believed to have established a transnational drug trafficking network spanning parts of West Asia, Africa and Europe, with alleged involvement in multiple cases over two decades. These include seizures of heroin, charas, mephedrone, mandrax and methamphetamine in Maharashtra and Gujarat. He is also wanted by the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on X that the return marked a significant step in efforts against narcotics networks, adding that agencies were working through global coordination to track and act against such figures regardless of their location.
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