Salim Dola, Notorious Drug Lord, Arrested in Istanbul
Wanted drug lord Salim Dola detained in Istanbul
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Salim Dola, the alleged leader of a major synthetic drug cartel in India, was arrested in Istanbul, Turkey, following a joint operation by Turkish authorities and Interpol. Dola, wanted for multiple drug offenses, had fled to the UAE before relocating to Turkey. His extradition process is complicated due to India's lack of an extradition treaty with Turkey.
- 01Salim Dola was arrested in Istanbul based on an Interpol red corner notice.
- 02He is linked to a significant synthetic drug manufacturing and supply network in India.
- 03Dola fled to the UAE after being granted bail in 2018 and later moved to Turkey.
- 04The Mumbai police crime branch is investigating Dola's extensive drug operations.
- 05His son and nephew were previously arrested in Dubai for their roles in the cartel.
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Salim Dola, an alleged mastermind behind one of India's largest synthetic drug cartels, was detained in Istanbul, Turkey, by local police and the Turkish national intelligence organization, MIT. This operation was initiated following a red corner notice issued by Interpol at the request of India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Dola, who holds a United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport, had fled to the UAE after being granted bail in a drug case in 2018. Investigators believe he later relocated to Turkey. Dola's criminal history includes multiple arrests for drug possession and smuggling. The Mumbai police crime branch's investigation began with the arrest of a drug peddler in February 2024, leading to the discovery of a drug manufacturing facility in Sangli district, Maharashtra, where authorities seized 122 kilos of mephedrone, cash, and gold worth ₹253 crore (approximately $30 million USD). Dola's family members have also been implicated in the cartel's operations, with his son and nephew previously extradited from Dubai.
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The arrest of Salim Dola may disrupt the operations of a significant drug cartel in India, potentially reducing the availability of synthetic drugs in the market.
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