Dawood Aide Deported from Dubai, Arrested in Mumbai in Salim Dola Drug Case

Mumbai — In a significant breakthrough against the Dawood Ibrahim-linked drug network, the Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested Dubai-based Mohammed Salim Sheikh, a key handler in the Salim Dola drug trafficking case, following his deportation to India, officials said on Thursday.

Sheikh, reportedly a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, is accused of coordinating international drug operations alongside Salim Dola, particularly managing a large-scale mephedrone manufacturing network in Maharashtra.

A Red Corner Notice had been issued against Sheikh, who was apprehended in the UAE a few weeks ago. After completing legal formalities, he was brought to India and formally arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch on October 22, with police custody extended until October 30.

Officials said Sheikh played a pivotal role in overseeing the supply chain for an MD production unit in Sangli, where raw materials imported via a UAE-based chemical supplier were processed into synthetic drugs.

The investigation began in February 2024, following the arrest of Parveen Sheikh from Kurla, Mumbai, who was found with 641 grams of mephedrone worth Rs 12.2 lakh and Rs 12 lakh in cash. During interrogation, Parveen disclosed that she had procured drugs from the Dubai-based network of Salim Sheikh and Salim Dola through Sajid Mohammed Asif Shaikh alias Dabz, a Mira Road resident.

Sajid was later arrested, with 3 kg of mephedrone valued at Rs 6 crore and Rs 3.68 lakh in cash recovered from his residence. Further investigation led to a large-scale mephedrone manufacturing unit in Sangli. On March 25, 2024, police raided the facility, seizing 122.5 kg of mephedrone worth Rs 245 crore, along with machinery, raw materials, vehicles, and arrested six individuals.

The network, which included operatives from Surat and Sangli, reportedly sourced chemicals from Dubai to manufacture mephedrone in India. Investigators suspect the chemicals were supplied through a UAE-based chemical company.

So far, 15 accused, including a woman, have been arrested, with total contraband and assets worth Rs 256.49 crore seized. Seized items include 126 kg of mephedrone valued at over Rs 252 crore, Rs 4.19 crore in cash, gold worth Rs 1.5 lakh, vehicles worth Rs 11.4 lakh, and illegal properties valued at Rs 55.5 lakh.

With inputs from IANS