What crucial ‘mistake’ trapped Dawood Ibrahim’s aide Salim Dola…?
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New Delhi: The arrest of Mohammad Salim Dola, a close associate of underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, in Turkey has triggered significant developments in India’s ongoing crackdown on international drug networks. Dola, who had been evading Indian agencies for years, was detained by Turkish authorities and recently deported to India following sustained intelligence coordination. The arrest was carried out on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued against him in 2024. A native of Dongri in Mumbai, he is suspected to be a key figure in drug trafficking operations linked to India.
The ‘Mistake’ That Led to His Arrest
Despite maintaining extreme caution while in hiding in Istanbul, Dola’s efforts to stay off the radar were undone by a single misstep. For over a year and a half, he reportedly avoided stepping out of his residence or engaging in direct communication with others. However, a recent courier order to his hideout proved decisive. Investigators were able to trace his precise location through this transaction, after which the information was passed to the Istanbul police. A raid followed, leading to his capture and eventual deportation to India earlier this week.
Multiple Passports, Fake Identity
A search of Dola’s residence revealed two Indian passports and one Bulgarian passport. He had reportedly been living under the alias “Hamza” while in Turkey. Authorities are currently examining whether the Bulgarian passport is forged. The discovery of multiple identity documents has raised further concerns about the scale and sophistication of his operations.
Dola is believed to be a major conduit in narcotics smuggling into India. The Narcotics Control Bureau has informed a Mumbai court that he was the primary supplier behind a large consignment of mephedrone seized in south Mumbai in June 2023. He has now been remanded to NCB custody until May 8. Investigators expect that his arrest could expose deeper links within the D-Company network in the coming days.