Mumbai: In a major breakthrough, Mumbai Crime Branch has unearthed a Pakistan-backed synthetic drug operation allegedly masterminded by Anwar Sheikh alias Anwar Bhai, the brother of underworld don Chhota Shakeel. Anwar, a fugitive since 1984, is accused of financing the production of Mephedrone (MD) in India through D-Company networks.
Investigators revealed that Dawood Ibrahim’s close aide Salim Dola was key to the drug distribution process. Though Salim remains at large, his son Taher Dola and nephew Mustafa Kubbawala were arrested after being extradited from the UAE.
The racket came to light after drug chemist Sajid Electricwala was rescued from Uttar Pradesh following his kidnapping. A witness testified that the gang, led by Sarwar Khan, tortured Sajid in Navi Mumbai, claiming affiliation with Anwar Bhai. Victims were reportedly beaten, stripped, humiliated, and filmed as part of the extortion strategy.
The gang had allegedly paid Sajid ₹50 lakh in advance to produce MD drugs. After he failed to deliver, they abducted him, demanded ransom, and extorted an additional ₹3 crore.
The case sheds light on how D-Company is evolving its criminal empire — shifting focus from traditional crimes to synthetic drug production — using global funding and local networks. The investigation remains ongoing to nab key absconding accused and dismantle the drug syndicate.
