Salim Dola, Dawood Aide and Drug Lord, Arrested in Turkey
Indian drug kingpin Salim Dola, a key associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, has been arrested in Istanbul, Turkey. Dola, wanted on an Interpol Red Corner Notice, was apprehended in a joint operation by Turkish and Indian intelligence agencies for his alleged role in a multi-crore synthetic drug trafficking network. His arrest is a major blow to the D-Company's narcotics operations.
Key Highlights
- Salim Dola, Dawood Ibrahim's associate, apprehended in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Arrest based on Interpol Red Corner Notice for drug trafficking charges.
- Dola used a forged UAE identity to evade authorities for years.
- His criminal empire spanned gutkha, marijuana, synthetic drugs, and real estate.
- Extradition to India being explored via UAE due to lack of direct treaty.
- Son's 2025 deportation from UAE provided critical intelligence for the arrest.
Salim Ismail Dola, an alleged close associate of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and a notorious Indian drug kingpin, was arrested in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 25, 2026. The 60-year-old Dola was detained in a joint operation conducted by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and local police units, acting on an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued at India's request.
Dola, who had been evading Indian agencies for nearly a decade, was tracked down in Istanbul's Beylikdüzü district where he was living under a forged UAE identity. This arrest is considered a significant blow to international drug syndicates, particularly Dawood Ibrahim's 'D-Company,' as Dola was a key figure in a transnational narcotics network estimated to be worth ₹5,000 crore annually.
His criminal career reportedly began in 1998 when he was first intercepted at Mumbai's Sahar Airport attempting to smuggle 40 kg of Mandrax tablets. Over the years, Dola evolved from small-scale smuggling, initially dealing in gutkha and later marijuana. He was arrested in 2012 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for possessing 80 kilograms of marijuana but was acquitted after five years. A pivotal shift in his operations occurred after his release, when he allegedly partnered with fugitive drug supplier Kailash Rajput to establish manufacturing units for synthetic drugs like 'Button,' a fentanyl-based opioid, and Mephedrone (MD). In 2018, Mumbai Police's Anti-Narcotics Cell arrested him with 100 kilograms of fentanyl, though he secured bail in just four months.
Following this 2018 arrest and subsequent bail, Dola fled India, relocating first to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, he allegedly established a real estate business for his son, Taher, using laundered proceeds from his drug trade in India. To further evade detection, he reportedly acquired a UAE passport under a different name before moving to Turkey, where he continued to direct his vast drug operations.
The arrest in Turkey comes after months of coordinated surveillance between Indian and Turkish intelligence agencies. Authorities in India, including the Narcotics Control Bureau and Mumbai Police, have confirmed his detention and are initiating extradition proceedings through Interpol. However, the process is expected to be complex as India and Turkey do not have a direct extradition treaty. Officials are exploring the possibility of extraditing him via the UAE, given his alleged links and forged documents from the country.
Dola's son, Taher Dola, was deported from the UAE in June 2025 following his involvement in a drug bust, which reportedly provided critical intelligence to Indian agencies leading to his father's capture. During the raid in Istanbul, Turkish authorities seized 126 kg and 141 grams of synthetic drugs, approximately ₹25.22 lakh in cash, and the fake UAE passport Dola was using. His network is believed to have supplied synthetic drugs across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, utilizing front companies and cargo shipments, and laundering money through hawala networks into real estate.
This arrest underscores growing international cooperation against transnational organized crime and signals that long-time fugitives are increasingly within reach of law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Salim Dola and what are his alleged links?
Salim Dola is an alleged Indian drug kingpin and a close associate of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his 'D-Company'. He is also reported to have befriended Dawood's right-hand man, Chhota Shakeel, and worked with the deceased drug lord Iqbal Mirchi.
Where and when was Salim Dola arrested?
Salim Dola was arrested in Istanbul, Turkey, specifically in the Beylikdüzü district, on April 25, 2026. The arrest was a result of a joint operation by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and local police units, based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice.
What is Salim Dola's criminal background?
Salim Dola's criminal history spans decades, starting with smuggling Mandrax in 1998. He progressed through dealing in gutkha and marijuana before becoming a mastermind behind large-scale synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking, including fentanyl and Mephedrone (MD). He allegedly laundered drug proceeds through hawala networks and invested in real estate.
Why is his extradition from Turkey challenging?
Extradition from Turkey to India is challenging because the two countries do not have a direct extradition treaty. Indian authorities are exploring legal channels, potentially seeking his extradition via the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as Dola had obtained a forged UAE passport.
What role did his son play in the investigation?
Salim Dola's son, Taher Dola, was deported from the UAE in June 2025 after his name surfaced in a drug bust case. His deportation provided critical intelligence to Indian agencies, which significantly aided in tracking and eventually apprehending Salim Dola in Turkey.
