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New Delhi: Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the Istanbul Police Department have arrested notorious Indian drug trafficker Salim Dola in a joint operation in Istanbul. Dola had been on the run for a long time and was listed on Interpol’s infamous Red Corner Notice. Dola was also reported to be a close associate of fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim. 

According to sources, the operation was launched after receiving inputs from Interpol about Dola’s presence in Istanbul. Following this tip-off, authorities began tracking his movements and eventually identified his hideout in the Beylikduzu area of the city.

A coordinated raid was then carried out at the safe house, where Dola was arrested on the spot. Officials said the operation was based on sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering.

During the raid, police reportedly recovered 126 kg and 141 grams of synthetic drugs from Dola. In addition, around ₹25.22 lakh (approximately $27,787) in cash and a fake United Arab Emirates passport were also seized. Police subsequently said that the accused is currently being interrogated, and after the completion of legal procedures, he will be sent to a deportation centre.

Investigations have also revealed that Dola’s name had surfaced earlier during the questioning of suspects arrested in Mumbai’s Kurla area. He is believed to have been directing drug operations in India from abroad. Authorities in Turkey and India are now continuing their probe to uncover further links in the drug trafficking network and identify other associates connected to the case.