CBI-INTERPOL COORDINATION: Key suspect Taher Salim Dola brought back to India for operating illegal Mephedrone factory in Maharashtra
In a major breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has confirmed the deportation of Taher Salim Dola, a prime accused in a ₹252 crore synthetic drug case, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. His return marks a significant milestone in India’s international criminal tracking efforts, enabled through CBI and INTERPOL collaboration, reported newindianexpress.com.
Arrested in Abu Dhabi after Red Corner Notice, Dola was deported through coordinated global efforts.
CBI officials stated that Dola was arrested in Abu Dhabi in January 2025 after INTERPOL issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against him on November 25, 2024. His exact location in the UAE was tracked following close coordination between the CBI, INTERPOL, and UAE authorities. He was deported to India via flight AI-984 from Dubai and landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
CBI’s international efforts bring back accused in ₹252 crore drug operation.
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According to the officials, Dola is wanted by the Mumbai Police for allegedly running a synthetic drug factory in Sangli, Maharashtra, while residing abroad
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In March 2024, authorities seized 126.14 kg of Mephedrone (also known as ‘MD’) from the illegal facility, with the contraband’s value estimated at ₹252 crore
“The International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the CBI, in collaboration with NCB-Abu Dhabi, facilitated Dola’s deportation through INTERPOL channels,” said a senior CBI official. “He is a wanted subject in a major narcotics case being investigated by Mumbai Police.”
Following the discovery of the drug racket, Look Out Circulars were issued against Dola and two others. With his subsequent arrest in the UAE, the CBI routed an extradition request via the Indian government, ultimately leading to his return.
CBI officials noted that the RCN, issued via INTERPOL, helps secure the arrest or detention of fugitives in member countries ahead of extradition or deportation. As India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, the CBI operates through the BHARATPOL platform and has successfully brought back over 100 fugitives in recent years through international cooperation.
