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Crime branch seeks custody of Salim Dola; production warrant sought in NDPS cases across states
The Mumbai crime branch moved a special NDPS court to obtain custody of Salim Ismail Dola and sought a production warrant to interrogate him across multiple narcotics cases in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. Dola, linked to the Dawood Ibrahim gang, was extradited from Turkiye and is currently with the NCB until May 8, with deeper interstate investigations underway.
Why It Matters
Interrogating Dola could reveal the structure of an interstate drug network, including supply chains, financial flows, and links to other accused, potentially leading to broader criminal prosecutions.
Timeline
5 Events
Investigations link Dola to multiple cases and cross-border operations
May 5, 2026
Investigators have indicated that proceeds of crime and cross-border movement of narcotics are key lines of inquiry, with Dola allegedly operating from abroad after fleeing India and maintaining contact with distributors and financiers through encrypted channels; parallel investigations have linked him to clandestine MD manufacturing units and distribution networks busted in Mira-Bhayander, Sangli, Mysuru and Telangana.
NCB remand request cited and 20 kg MD seizure noted
May 5, 2026
The NCB had told the court last week that at least 20 kg of MD, well above the NDPS Act's 'commercial quantity' threshold, was seized in the case linked to Dola's network, and that his role spanned multiple consignments and coordinated supply chains, not a single transaction.
Crime branch files plea for custody and production warrant
May 5, 2026
In a plea filed earlier this week, the Mumbai crime branch approached a special NDPS court seeking custody of Dola and a production warrant to interrogate him across multiple narcotics cases registered in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana to unravel a wider inter-state syndicate and trace supply chains, financial flows and linkages with co-accused.
Dola remains in NCB custody until May 8
May 5, 2026
Dola is currently in the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and will remain so till May 8, 2026, as authorities pursue further investigations.
Dola extradited from Turkiye after red corner notice
May 5, 2026
Salim Ismail Dola, allegedly associated with the Dawood Ibrahim gang, was recently extradited from Turkiye based on a red corner notice after being on the run for nearly a decade.