Dawood's associate and drug kingpin deported to India from Turkey
What's the story
Salim Dola, a key associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, has been deported to India from Istanbul. The operation was carried out by Indian intelligence agencies in coordination with international counterparts, news agency ANI reported. Dola was arrested in Istanbul on April 25 by Turkish authorities after being traced to a residence in the Beylikduzu district during a targeted operation of the Narcotics Crimes Division of the Istanbul Police Department, CNN Turkiye had reported earlier.
Arrest details
Arrest followed by extensive surveillance operation
The CNN Turkiye report stated that Dola's arrest came after a long surveillance operation that confirmed his location. He was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice for drug trafficking. The crackdown in Turkey comes amid ongoing investigations in India, where associates arrested in Mumbai's Kurla area have reportedly confessed to receiving orders from Dola.
Legal proceedings
Legal implications and charges against Dola
The Interpol Red Notice against Dola lists several charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This Indian law mandates a minimum of 10 years imprisonment for serious offenses and has stringent bail conditions for commercial quantities of drugs. After his deportation to India, Dola was brought to Delhi Technical Airport on a special aircraft.
Confessions revealed
Authorities recovered drugs, cash during raids
Reportedly, during related raids in India, authorities recovered over 126kg of mephedrone and ₹2,522,000. After his deportation to India, Dola was brought to Delhi Technical Airport on a special aircraft. He is now in custody and being questioned by intelligence officials about his alleged role in criminal activities. Mumbai Police is likely to take him for further investigation and legal proceedings.