Pakistan-Funded Drug Syndicate Exposed in Mumbai

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In a major development, the Mumbai Crime Branch has uncovered a sophisticated synthetic drug operation allegedly financed by Pakistan-based fugitive Anwar Sheikh, brother of underworld operative Chhota Shakeel. The investigation links this network to D-Company, the notorious transnational crime syndicate controlled by Dawood Ibrahim. The case reveals how external financing is now fueling India’s domestic drug trade, raising national security concerns and further emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement coordination.

Anwar Sheikh, also known as Anwar Bhai, has been a fugitive since 1984 and is wanted for several serious offenses, including murder and extortion. Authorities now believe he is directing funds from abroad to support the production of Mephedrone (MD), a powerful synthetic stimulant, inside India. This latest operation signals a shift in the underworld’s focus from extortion and smuggling to high-value narcotics manufacturing, backed by international funding.

The Crime Branch’s investigation also implicates Salim Dola, a close Dawood associate, as a key figure in drug distribution. Although Dola remains at large, law enforcement successfully extradited his son Taher Dola and nephew Mustafa Kubbawala from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their arrest marks a significant stride in dismantling the drug network’s supply chain.

Further insight came from witness Shabbir Siddiqui, who testified that he and drug chemist Sajid Electricwala were kidnapped and tortured by gang members after a failed drug transaction. Siddiqui recounted that gang leader Sarwar Khan, during the abduction, explicitly claimed allegiance to Anwar Sheikh and demanded repayment of ₹50 lakh meant for drug production. The gang allegedly extorted an additional ₹3 crore from Sajid’s family through violent threats and humiliation.

The investigation began after Mumbai police rescued Sajid from Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, over a month after his abduction. Evidence suggests that Sajid failed to deliver the promised narcotics after receiving advance funds, prompting the gang to take matters into their own hands through intimidation and extortion. This case not only highlights the violent nature of India’s evolving drug underworld but also the growing reach of foreign-financed criminal enterprises.

As law enforcement intensifies efforts to bring the remaining suspects to justice, the case shows the critical importance of national vigilance and cross-border cooperation in tackling organized crime. The use of international funding, local criminal alliances, and coercive tactics shows a dangerous new chapter in India’s drug trade, one that demands robust countermeasures and unified response from all levels of authority.