Drug smuggler Salim Dola, a suspected close associate of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, allegedly accumulated assets worth nearly ₹100 crore in Dubai and Turkey through proceeds from narcotics trafficking, according to the Mumbai Crime Branch. Dola, who was arrested in Turkey and extradited to India, is currently being interrogated by multiple Crime Branch units in connection with several cases — and investigators suspect he is attempting to mislead them.

Who Is Salim Dola

Dola reportedly lived in Turkey under the alias 'Ayhan Sheikh', from where he allegedly operated an expansive drug distribution network. According to Crime Branch officials, he significantly widened his narcotics operations across Mumbai in the period following the Covid-19 pandemic. He was brought to India after his arrest in Turkey and was first questioned by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) before being handed over to the Crime Branch.

The ₹100 Crore Asset Trail

Investigators say Dola amassed properties, investments, and business interests worth approximately ₹100 crore in Dubai and Turkey, allegedly funded entirely through drug trafficking proceeds. Agencies are now examining the full scope of his overseas financial dealings, including bank accounts and commercial ventures. Dola reportedly also claimed during questioning that he had already sold some of the properties he had acquired in Dubai — a claim the Crime Branch is independently verifying.

Sangli Drug Factory and the MD Supply Chain

During interrogation, Dola reportedly disclosed the existence of a large synthetic drug manufacturing unit in Sangli. According to sources, he told investigators that nearly 20 consignments of MD (Mephedrone) were produced at the facility and dispatched to multiple locations across the country. The Crime Branch is currently tracing the full supply chain, distribution network, and financial transactions associated with the alleged operation. Dola is also said to have claimed that drug proceeds were laundered into properties and businesses both within India and abroad.

Dawood Ibrahim Links Under Scrutiny

Dola has claimed during questioning that his drug network maintained links to Dawood Ibrahim and his syndicate. However, Crime Branch officials have clarified that these claims are being treated as unverified leads and are being independently corroborated. Authorities are working to identify underworld operatives who may have facilitated the network's operations. Several Crime Branch teams have questioned Dola in relation to multiple cases, including investigations into alleged drug factory operations in Satara and Mysuru.

Kidnapping Case and What Comes Next

Crime Branch Unit-3 is separately probing Dola's alleged role in the kidnapping and extortion of Andheri-based businessman Sajid Electricwala. Dola's police custody is set to conclude on Monday, after which he will be produced before a court for further proceedings. Investigating agencies believe that continued interrogation could yield significant disclosures about international drug trafficking networks, overseas assets, and underworld financial linkages.