Gujarat ATS arrests international drug trafficker Salim Dola in mephedrone case
The suspect was arrested in connection with a 2022 seizure of mephedrone worth ₹438.64 crore from a factory in Vadodara.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested international drug trafficker Salim Ismail Dola on October 31, according to a report by Hindustan Times. Dola was arrested in connection with the 2022 seizure of mephedrone valued at ₹438.64 crore from a factory near Sindhrot village in Vadodara district.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) SL Chaudhary said Dola allegedly supplied chemicals for manufacturing the drug and later bought and sold the finished product. The ATS stated that the syndicate allegedly used containers of legally exported goods to conceal narcotics and established dummy companies in destination countries to facilitate operations.
Dola, who was described as a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, was deported from Turkiye in April this year. He was brought back following an Interpol Red Notice issued at India's request in March 2024. The ATS noted that Dola had previously moved from Mumbai to Dubai and then to Kenya before being traced to Turkiye.
The investigation into the Vadodara factory raid on December 1, 2022, resulted in the seizure of 87.728 kg of mephedrone. A total of 10 people have been arrested in the case, which is registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
The ATS is currently questioning Dola to establish the source of chemicals, financial transactions, and distribution channels. Chaudhary added that police will also investigate his assets allegedly acquired through illegal activities and determine who provided him logistical support while he was abroad.