ED Raids 20 Locations in Major Money Laundering Probe Linked to Salim Dola
Dawood Ibrahim Associate’s Alleged International Drug Network Under Scanner; Maharashtra and Gujarat Operations Target Hawala Links and Benami Assets
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive search operations at around 20 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged international drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola, who is accused of operating a transnational narcotics syndicate and maintaining links with fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The raids covered Mumbai, Surat, Rajkot, and Ankleshwar following the registration of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to investigating officials, the searches targeted a wide network of individuals and entities allegedly involved in supporting the narcotics trade. These include suppliers of precursor chemicals, chemical traders, accountants, hawala operators, drug traffickers involved in the manufacture and distribution of synthetic drugs, and persons suspected of holding benami properties acquired through proceeds generated by the alleged drug syndicate.
The ED’s money laundering case originates from multiple FIRs registered in Mumbai concerning illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Investigators are examining financial transactions, property acquisitions, and business relationships that may have been used to conceal or launder proceeds generated through drug trafficking activities.
Salim Dola, also known as Salim Ismail Dola, was extradited to India from Turkey in April 2026 after being detained on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice. Upon his arrival in India, he was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Authorities allege that he spent nearly two decades building an international drug trafficking network spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and anti-narcotics agencies have previously linked Dola to multiple high-value seizures of heroin, mephedrone, methamphetamine, charas, and mandrax in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Investigators reportedly referred to him as the “Mephedrone King” because of his alleged involvement in the trafficking of synthetic narcotics.
Officials believe the current searches are aimed not only at gathering evidence against members of the alleged drug syndicate but also at dismantling the financial infrastructure that enabled the movement, concealment, and reinvestment of drug proceeds through hawala channels, shell entities, and benami properties.
Key Facts
- ED conducted raids at approximately 20 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- Probe is linked to alleged drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola, recently extradited from Turkey.
- Searches targeted chemical suppliers, traffickers, hawala operators, and suspected benami property holders.
- Authorities allege Dola operated a transnational narcotics network with links across multiple countries.
Why It Matters
The operation represents one of the most significant recent crackdowns on the financial ecosystem supporting international drug trafficking networks linked to organized crime. By targeting the alleged money trail rather than only narcotics seizures, investigators aim to identify and confiscate assets generated through illicit drug trade and disrupt the economic foundations of transnational criminal syndicates.
