Key Accused in Sangli Drug Bust Deported

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal / Mumbai  :  In a significant breakthrough in the ₹252-crore synthetic drugs case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday deported Mustafa Mohammed Kubbawala, 44, a key accused in the case, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the help of Interpol and local authorities.

Kubbawala, a resident of Surat and nephew of alleged drug kingpin Salim Dola, was wanted for his role in running an illegal mephedrone (MD) manufacturing facility in Kavthe Mahankal, Sangli district, Maharashtra. In March 2024, Mumbai police raided the unit and seized 126.14 kg of MD, valued at ₹252 crore, marking one of the largest drug busts in Maharashtra’s history.

Kubbawala was charge-sheeted in the case and had a non-bailable warrant pending. He was traced to the UAE through a Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued by Interpol following the massive bust.

For five to six years, Kubbawala is believed to have operated the drug syndicate led by Salim Dola in Mumbai and its suburbs. He reportedly sourced raw materials from Surat and personally transported the finished drugs from Sangli to distributors in Mira Road.

A four-member Mumbai police team travelled to Dubai on July 7 and coordinated with the International Police Cooperation Unit of the CBI and the NCB-Abu Dhabi to bring Kubbawala back to India.

Interestingly, Kubbawala was arrested in Dubai on May 18 — just two days before Salim Dola’s son, Taher, was apprehended and later deported to India on June 13. Taher remains in judicial custody.