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Detention of Salim Dola in Istanbul under Interpol Red Notice
Salim Dola, alleged mastermind of a large Indian synthetic-drug cartel, was detained in Istanbul in a joint operation by Turkish MIT and local police, based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice. The notice followed a request from India’s CBI, and authorities plan to pursue extradition via the UAE since India has no treaty with Turkey. The case links back to 2024 drug raids in Sangli and a 2025 extradition of Dola’s son and nephew from Dubai.
Why It Matters
This case highlights cross-border criminal networks and how Interpol notices and extradition pathways are used to pursue alleged drug lord financiers and operatives.
Timeline
5 Events
April 25, 2026: Salim Dola detained in Istanbul under Interpol Red Corner Notice
April 25, 2026
Salim Dola was detained in Istanbul in a joint operation by the Turkish national intelligence organisation MIT and local police, based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice issued following a request from the CBI. India does not have an extradition treaty with Turkey, and Dola, who holds a UAE passport, is being considered for extradition via the UAE.
Mid-2025: Taher and Mustafa Kubbawala extradited from Dubai and arrested
2025
In mid-2025, Salim Dola’s son Taher, 33, and nephew Mustafa Kubbawala, 44, were extradited from Dubai and arrested in the case. Kubbawala allegedly oversaw the supply of raw materials to the MD factory and the transport of contraband to Mira Road.
March 2024: Sangli factory raid uncovers MD, cash and gold
March 2024
Investigators raided a factory in Sangli district, recovering 122 kilos of MD, cash and gold worth ₹253 crore; six people were arrested during the raid, including Pravin Shinde who led operations at the manufacturing unit.
February 2024: Parveen Bano Ghulam Shaikh arrested in Kurla with MD
February 2024
The crime branch case began with the arrest of Parveen Bano Ghulam Shaikh in Kurla in February 2024 with 641 grams of mephedrone or MD.
Dola flees India after bail in 2018 drug case and obtains UAE passport, later moves to Turkey
2018
After Salim Dola was granted bail in a drugs case in 2018, he fled India to the United Arab Emirates. He subsequently obtained a UAE passport under a different name and later shifted to Turkey.