NCB Uncovers Pharma Links in ‘Mephedrone King’ Dola’s Global Drug Network

Investigators probing alleged international drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola , recently brought back from Turkiye, have uncovered links between his syndicate and chemists and pharmaceutical dealers suspected of facilitating illicit drug operations.

The 59-year-old , believed to be a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim , is currently in the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Mumbai till May 8 . Dola was arrested in Turkiye following a request by the NCB to Interpol in 2024, after which he was deported to India and brought to Delhi last week.

Officials said Dola, known in international circles as the “Mephedrone King,” allegedly specialised in trafficking synthetic drugs, particularly mephedrone . Investigators believe he operated his network with the support of certain chemists, who are now under scrutiny and likely to be summoned for questioning .

According to probe details, Dola used aliases such as “Hamza” and “Abdul” while in Turkiye and was planning to acquire immovable assets there to secure citizenship . The NCB is expected to approach Turkish authorities to obtain details about his residency and activities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said Dola was wanted in multiple narcotics trafficking cases and had been absconding for years . Authorities allege he built a vast transnational drug syndicate spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Europe .

His alleged two-decade-long criminal record includes involvement in high-value seizures of heroin, charas, mephedrone, mandrax, and methamphetamine in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Also known as Salim Ismail Dola , he is fluent in Hindi and Marathi and remains under interrogation as agencies work to dismantle his network.