The Mumbai Crime Branch has applied to a special NDPS court for custody of Salim Dola, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Dola is currently under the Narcotics Control Bureau’s custody until May 8, being questioned in drug-related cases. The Crime Branch can only take him into custody after court approval and the conclusion of his remand with the NCB.
The application filed by the Crime Branch requests a production warrant from the court to facilitate Dola’s transfer once his NCB remand ends. To secure custody, the Branch must justify to the court the necessity of holding the accused. If the court deems further interrogation essential, it issues a production warrant for the concerned agency to take over.
The Crime Branch plans to seek successive custody of Dola for various cases, including the Sangli, Mysuru, and Telangana drug cases. Salim Dola, a key figure in major drug trafficking networks, is suspected to be involved in drug manufacturing and distribution. His interrogation is seen as crucial in dismantling a significant drug syndicate, as per the Crime Branch.
The NDPS court now holds the authority to decide on the matter concerning Dola’s custody. Dola, aged 59 and residing in Mumbai, was the subject of an Interpol Red Corner Notice at India’s request in March 2024. He has a long criminal history involving narcotics trafficking and has been evading Indian law enforcement for years. Dola’s involvement in high-value drug seizures in Maharashtra and Gujarat has been documented, with investigations pointing to his role as a major supplier to drug networks in India.
