MUMBAI, India — A widening investigation into a sprawling Rs 252 crore mephedrone trafficking network has drawn several prominent Bollywood figures and political names into its scope, according to details in a police remand document reviewed by IANS.
The revelations surfaced after the Mumbai Police Crime Branch secured a key breakthrough with the deportation and arrest of Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh from Dubai. Shaikh, a 31-year-old resident of Dongri, is accused of being a close associate of alleged underworld drug trafficker Salim Dola, who is linked to the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate. His arrest marks the 15th in a probe that began with a small drug seizure in February 2024.
Investigators say Shaikh has made a series of explosive statements during interrogation, detailing what he described as high-end, drug-fueled parties held in India and abroad. According to the remand copy, he named actors Shraddha Kapoor and Siddhanth Kapoor, dancer-actress Nora Fatehi, politician Zeeshan Siddiqui — son of Congress leader Baba Siddique — Alishah Parkar, son of the late Haseena Parkar, producer Abbas Mustan, and rapper Loka as attendees.
Shaikh allegedly told investigators that these parties were often staged at luxury hotels, exclusive venues, or private farmhouses, and were financed through drug profits. He also claimed to have overseen logistics for the gatherings, from recruiting peddlers to arranging direct supply chains.
The probe is now being jointly pursued by the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Enforcement Directorate, which is examining whether drug proceeds were laundered through hawala operations and real estate investments.
Officials said all individuals named in the case will be questioned in the coming days.
According to investigators, the network’s operations extended beyond Mumbai and Goa, with parties reportedly held in Dubai and Thailand and supplied by Indian-origin businessmen overseas. (Source: IANS)
