Rs 252-crore mephedrone seizure case: Mumbai Police arrest key accused

NEW DELHI: Mumbai police have arrested a key accused in a Rs 252-crore mephedrone seizure case after he was deported from Dubai, officials said. Mohammed Salim Mohammed Sohail Shaikh was apprehended in Dubai by “sister agencies” a few days ago and brought to Mumbai, an official added. A Red Corner Notice had been issued against him, the official said.

Shaikh was allegedly planning to set up drug manufacturing units across India and distribute mephedrone, a powerful synthetic stimulant often sold as a recreational drug, an official said. He is the third accused brought to India from the UAE. “Earlier, accused Tahir Salim Dola, son of drug kingpin Salim Dola, and Mustafa Mohammed Kubbawala were taken into custody by the city police,” the official said. Mumbai police had earlier raided a mephedrone manufacturing unit in Sangli district, western Maharashtra, seizing drugs and raw materials worth Rs 252 crore. “Altogether, 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the case so far,” the official added.