India Secures Return of Global Drug Kingpin from Türkiye in Major Anti-Narcotics

The operation, carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in coordination with international and domestic intelligence agencies, resulted in Dola’s return to India under ‘Operation Global-Hunt’.

In a significant boost to India's crackdown on international drug trafficking networks, authorities have successfully secured the return of notorious fugitive drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Türkiye, marking a major milestone under the Government's intensified anti-narcotics strategy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the operation as a "major breakthrough," reaffirming the Government's zero-tolerance policy against narcotics syndicates and its commitment to dismantling transnational drug cartels.

"Under the Modi government's mission to ruthlessly smash drug cartels, our agencies have extended their reach across borders," Shah said in a statement. "No matter where they hide, no place is safe for drug kingpins."

Operation Global-Hunt Delivers High-Value Target

The operation, carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in coordination with international and domestic intelligence agencies, resulted in Dola's return to India under 'Operation Global-Hunt'.

The 59-year-old fugitive was taken into custody upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, early Tuesday morning.

Dola had been the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued in March 2024 at India's request and was wanted in multiple high-profile narcotics trafficking cases.

Two-Decade Criminal Network Across Continents

Investigations reveal that Dola operated a vast transnational drug trafficking syndicate spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, supplying narcotics into India through well-established distribution channels.

His criminal record over more than two decades includes involvement in major cases linked to the trafficking of:

• Heroin

• Charas

• Mephedrone

• Mandrax

• Methamphetamine

Authorities describe Dola as a key bulk supplier, playing a central role in feeding downstream drug networks within India, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

He is also wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Mumbai Police.

Family Links and Prior Crackdown

The operation follows earlier action against his network. In 2025, Dola's son, Tahil Salim Dola, along with other associates, was arrested by Mumbai Police after deportation from the United Arab Emirates, indicating sustained efforts to dismantle the syndicate.

Officials say the latest development significantly weakens the operational capacity of the network.

International Cooperation Key to Success

The successful return of Dola underscores deepening international cooperation in tackling organised crime, involving:

• Authorities in Türkiye

• INTERPOL coordination mechanisms

• Indian enforcement and intelligence agencies

This multi-agency collaboration highlights India's growing capability to pursue fugitives beyond its borders.

Strengthening India's Anti-Drug Strategy

The operation is part of a broader national strategy to combat drug trafficking through intelligence-led enforcement, global partnerships, and coordinated action across agencies.

Officials emphasise that targeting high-value operators like Dola is critical to disrupting supply chains and dismantling organised criminal networks.

Message to Global Drug Syndicates

The Government has framed the operation as a clear signal to international narcotics networks that India is expanding its enforcement reach.

"The return of such a high-profile fugitive demonstrates our resolve to bring every offender to justice," officials said.

With cross-border cooperation intensifying and enforcement capabilities expanding, authorities say similar operations are likely to continue as India strengthens its fight against global drug trafficking.