Dawood Ibrahim Aide Saleem Dola Nabbed in Istanbul: Drug Network Busted

Top Summary

• What happened: Saleem Dola, a key figure in India-linked drug networks and a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, has been detained in Istanbul.
• Why it matters: Dola's arrest disrupts a significant narcotics supply chain connected to India and weakens Dawood Ibrahim's criminal operations.
• What changes for people: The crackdown may lead to reduced drug availability and increased vigilance against counterfeit currency operations in India.
• Who is affected: Indian law enforcement, drug users, and individuals involved in Dawood Ibrahim's network.

Saleem Dola Apprehended in Istanbul

Saleem Dola, an alleged close associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, has been detained in Istanbul. He is a key figure in the illegal drug trade linked to India. Dola was wanted by multiple Indian agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). He was also on the radar of police units across several states.

Officials state that Saleem Dola played a crucial role. He oversaw and coordinated drug trafficking operations connected to networks operating in and around India.

Drug Trafficking Operations

Law enforcement agencies in India have been actively pursuing Saleem Dola. He is wanted for his alleged involvement in drug-related offences. His name surfaced in multiple investigations. He was listed as a wanted accused in ongoing cases.

An Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against him. This shows the seriousness of the charges and the international effort to track his movements.

Links to India Drug Case

The development follows the Mumbai Police's arrest of several individuals linked to a major drug case. Saleem Dola was named as a fugitive accused in that case. Investigators believe his network extended across multiple regions. Operatives handled different aspects of the drug trade.

Arms Supplier Arrested in Nepal

In August 2025, Sheikh Salim, also known as 'Salim Pistol', was arrested in Nepal. This was a joint operation involving the Delhi Police Special Cell and Nepal Police. Salim had been supplying sophisticated weapons from Pakistan into India for years.

Investigations revealed links to Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, as well as Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company. He supplied arms to prominent gangsters, including Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba.

Rise in Counterfeit Currency

On April 14, a report by IANS noted a sharp increase in counterfeit currency seizures. This points to an expansion of operations by organised crime networks linked to Dawood Ibrahim. The syndicate directs operatives within India to print fake currency locally.

Intelligence Bureau officials noted that operatives are shifting bases regularly. The syndicate is expanding operations across multiple states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

What to Watch Next

The investigation into Saleem Dola's network is ongoing, and further arrests are expected. Authorities will likely focus on dismantling the remaining drug trafficking routes and identifying other key figures involved in the syndicate.