The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), working closely with Indian and international intelligence agencies, has successfully secured the return of wanted drug trafficker Mohammed Salim Dola from Turkiye under ‘Operation Global-Hunt’. Dola was taken into custody immediately after his arrival at IGI Airport in New Delhi early this morning.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Dola, a 59-year-old from Mumbai, had been absconding from Indian law enforcement agencies for years. He was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at India’s request in March 2024. Authorities had been seeking his return to face prosecution in multiple narcotics trafficking cases across the country.

The MHA stated, “Salim Dola (59 yrs from Mumbai), a subject of INTERPOL Red Notice issued at India’s request in March, 2024, was wanted for prosecution in multiple narcotics trafficking cases in India and had been absconding from Indian law enforcement agencies. Over the years, Dola had established a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate spanning a number of countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. His two-decade long criminal antecedents include direct involvement in cases involving multiple high-value seizures of Heroin, Charas, Mephedrone, Mandrax and Methamphetamine in Maharashtra and Gujarat.”

Investigations reveal that Dola played a key role in supplying drugs in bulk to distribution networks within India. His name has repeatedly surfaced in major narcotics cases over the years. Apart from being wanted by national agencies, he is also on the radar of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat and the Mumbai Police.

The MHA further added, “Dola’s role consistently emerged as that of a bulk supplier to downstream distribution networks in India. Besides, he is also wanted by ATS Gujarat and the Mumbai Police. Earlier, his son Tahil Salim Dola and other associates were arrested by Mumbai police after deportation/extradition from the UAE in 2025. This effort exemplifies close cooperation and coordinated action between the authorities in Turkiye, INTERPOL and Indian agencies.”

Earlier today, Dola was deported to Delhi Technical Airport from Istanbul. The operation was carried out with the support of intelligence departments and international agencies. After landing in India, he was immediately taken into custody and is currently being interrogated by intelligence officials.

Officials have confirmed that Dola will soon be handed over to the Mumbai Police. Following this, multiple agencies are expected to question him as part of ongoing investigations into drug trafficking networks linked to his operations.

Reports from CNN Turkiye indicate that Dola had been arrested by Turkish authorities after a carefully planned raid in Istanbul. The operation was conducted by the Narcotics Crimes Division of the Istanbul Police Department. He was apprehended on April 25 while hiding in a residence located in the Beylikduzu district.

The arrest in Turkey came after sustained surveillance and coordination with international agencies. Authorities managed to track his location and carried out a targeted operation to detain him. Dola was identified as a high-value target due to his alleged involvement in global drug trafficking activities.

During earlier raids conducted in India, law enforcement agencies had seized around 126 kilograms of mephedrone along with Rs 25,22,000 in cash. These seizures were linked to networks associated with Dola. Officials believe that he continued to control operations remotely while staying outside India.

According to CNN Turk, the crackdown in Turkey is connected to ongoing investigations in India. Associates who were arrested in Mumbai’s Kurla area reportedly told authorities that they were receiving instructions directly from Dola. These statements helped agencies strengthen their case and track his movements internationally.

The Istanbul Police Department has completed all required procedures related to his detention. His deportation marks a significant step in dismantling the larger network he allegedly operated for years.

The successful return of Salim Dola highlights strong coordination between Indian authorities, INTERPOL, and Turkish agencies. Officials believe that his custody will provide crucial leads in uncovering deeper links within international drug trafficking networks.