The Narcotics Control Bureau Narcotics Control Bureau had sought 10 days of custodial interrogation, arguing that Dola had remained absconding since the registration of the case and that his custody was essential to uncover a wider narcotics network. Although a chargesheet had already been filed, the agency informed the court that fresh investigative leads had emerged during initial questioning, requiring verification and deeper scrutiny.
According to the anti-narcotics agency, Dola is a key international supplier of mephedrone and is allegedly connected to a large-scale drug syndicate operating across regions.
Investigators stated that 20 kilograms of contraband seized in June 2023 was supplied by him. They further alleged that co-accused Faisal Javed Shaikh, identified as the main kingpin, was in direct contact with Dola through WhatsApp and arranged drug consignments at a fixed location near JJ Hospital in south Mumbai.
In his statement, Shaikh allegedly told investigators that he procured nearly 40 kilograms of mephedrone every month from Dola at ₹7 lakh per kilogram and sold it at ₹18 lakh per kilogram, generating monthly profits of ₹40–50 lakh. The agency also informed the court that a financial investigation had led to the freezing of assets worth ₹6.40 crore linked to alleged drug proceeds.
The NCB further cited Dola’s alleged involvement in multiple cases across India, including a Gujarat case involving the seizure of over 90 kilograms of mephedrone and a 2024 case linked to a multi-state drug cartel. Investigators also referenced earlier cases, including a 2018 fentanyl seizure by Mumbai’s Anti-Narcotics Cell, a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence case involving smuggling of banned gutkha, and additional narcotics seizures dating back to 1998.
During the hearing, defence counsel Advocate Zehra Charania questioned the legality of the arrest, arguing that the NCB had acted solely on the basis of a statement made by a co-accused. She stated that the agency had arrested him based on a statement without independent corroboration.
The defence also raised procedural concerns during the remand proceedings, noting that the sessions court indicated the matter, being the first remand, should be heard by a magistrate, even though transit remand had already been granted in Delhi following Dola’s arrest at the airport.
The development marks a significant escalation in a multi-layered narcotics investigation that is now expected to expand further into alleged international and interstate drug trafficking networks.
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