Gujarat ATS Takes Salim Ismail Dola into Custody in ₹438-Crore Vadodara Drug Case

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has taken alleged international drug trafficker Salim Ismail Dola into custody in connection with a major narcotics seizure near Vadodara in 2022. The case relates to the recovery of 87.728 kg of mephedrone, valued at approximately ₹438.64 crore in the international market.

According to reports published on November 3, 2026, Dola was taken into Gujarat ATS custody on October 31. His name emerged during the investigation into an alleged drug manufacturing unit near Sindhrot village in Vadodara district, where the narcotics were seized.

The latest development follows Dola's return to India from Türkiye in April 2026. He had been detained there following an Interpol Red Notice issued at India's request and was brought back through coordination involving Indian and international agencies. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had taken him into custody upon his arrival in New Delhi. <Cite refs={["turn116507search0","turn116507search2","turn116507search3"]}/>

Alleged Role in the Vadodara Drug Manufacturing Case

The Gujarat ATS has alleged that Dola played an important role in the supply chain connected to the Sindhrot drug manufacturing unit.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police S. L. Chaudhary, investigators believe Dola arranged and supplied chemicals required for manufacturing mephedrone. He is also accused of purchasing and selling the finished narcotics after production.

The investigation began after the ATS raided the manufacturing unit near Sindhrot village on December 1, 2022, and seized 87.728 kg of mephedrone. Ten accused persons were initially arrested in the case, and investigators subsequently identified Dola as an alleged participant in the operation.

The case was registered under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The ATS is now questioning Dola to establish the source of the chemicals, financial transactions, distribution channels and the possible involvement of other members of the network.

How Indian Agencies Traced Him Abroad

Dola had allegedly been operating from outside India after leaving the country. Investigators traced his movements across several countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Kenya, before he was located in Türkiye.

The NCB confirmed in April 2026 that his return was secured through coordination with Indian intelligence and international agencies under an operation described as 'Operation Global-Hunt'. His detention in Türkiye followed an Interpol Red Notice issued at India's request.

The development was part of a wider effort to bring back individuals wanted in multiple narcotics trafficking cases in India. Dola is also wanted by agencies in connection with other alleged drug-related activities.

Investigation Points to a Wider International Network

Investigators have alleged that Dola's network extended beyond the Vadodara manufacturing case and involved the procurement of precursor chemicals, production of synthetic narcotics, domestic distribution and international trafficking.

According to the Gujarat ATS, the network allegedly used containers carrying legally exported goods to conceal narcotics for overseas transportation. Investigators have also referred to the use of dummy companies in destination countries to facilitate these operations.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is separately investigating the alleged transnational narcotics syndicate and its financial activities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In a press release dated June 4, 2026, the ED said it had conducted searches at 21 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot on June 2 and 3. The searches targeted alleged links in the supply of precursor chemicals, manufacturing and distribution of mephedrone, hawala transactions and properties suspected to have been acquired using proceeds of crime.

The agency reported the seizure or freezing of cash, foreign currency, gold bars and bank balances worth approximately ₹1.33 crore. It also said that documents relating to properties worth several crores of rupees in India and Dubai had been recovered. The ED described its investigation as ongoing.

Earlier Drug-Related Cases

Dola has figured in several drug-related investigations over the years. According to reports and information attributed to investigating agencies, he was arrested at Mumbai airport in 1998 after approximately 40 kg of mandrax was allegedly recovered from him.

In 2013, the Mumbai Police's Anti-Narcotics Cell reportedly arrested him in connection with the recovery of around 79 kg of charas. His name also surfaced in a 2017 Directorate of Revenue Intelligence investigation into the alleged smuggling of gutkha from Gujarat to Kuwait.

Investigating agencies have also linked him to other narcotics cases, including a fentanyl-related investigation. Reports indicate that multiple cases have been registered against him in different parts of the country. These allegations and previous cases must be considered separately from the charges being investigated in the Vadodara matter.

What Investigators Will Examine Next

The Gujarat ATS is expected to focus on identifying the source of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process, tracing financial transactions and establishing how the finished drugs were distributed.

Investigators are also examining the possible involvement of other members of the alleged network, the routes used for international trafficking and the assets suspected to have been acquired through illegal activities.

Dola's questioning could provide investigators with further information about the alleged supply chain and the wider network operating across different locations. However, the extent of his involvement and the role of other individuals will have to be established through the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings.

The latest ATS action represents a significant development in the investigation into the ₹438.64-crore Vadodara drug seizure and the alleged international network connected to it.