ED Conducts Raids Across Four Cities in Crackdown on Transnational Drug Trafficking Network Linked to Extradited Salim Dola

June 2, 2026 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched extensive search operations at 20 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar, and Rajkot as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into an alleged transnational narcotics trafficking syndicate headed by Salim Ismail Dola and his associates.

The searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. According to the ED, investigations have uncovered a highly organised international criminal network involved in the procurement of precursor chemicals, clandestine manufacturing of Mephedrone (MD), interstate transportation and distribution of narcotic drugs, and the international trafficking of narcotic substances.

The agency further stated that the syndicate allegedly operated an elaborate mechanism for generating and concealing proceeds of crime through hawala channels. Investigators have also identified the acquisition of movable and immovable assets allegedly purchased in the names of associates and other individuals to conceal the origins of illicit funds.

The money laundering probe stems from multiple FIRs registered in Mumbai against Salim Dola and several others for offences related to the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The ED’s investigation is focused on tracing the financial trail linked to the alleged drug network and identifying assets derived from criminal activities.

The development comes shortly after the Government of India secured the extradition of Salim Dola from Turkey last month. Dola, who is alleged to be a close associate of underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, is accused of operating an extensive transnational drug trafficking network with links spanning multiple jurisdictions.

The ongoing searches are aimed at gathering evidence, identifying beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime, and dismantling the financial infrastructure supporting the alleged narcotics syndicate.