Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Salim Dola Arrest Pushes Haji Salim Cartel Toward Smaller Shipments
Indian agencies arrested and extradited Salim Dola, dealing a major setback to a large drug-smuggling network.
Officials say the network connected to Haji Salim is now operating more quietly.
Instead of moving very large shipments, it is bringing in smaller amounts.
The smugglers have also changed where they land their boats.
In Tamil Nadu, they are using coastal areas and small boats that can blend in with fishing traffic.
In Kerala, activity near Vizhinjam has decreased after several large drug seizures.
The network is reportedly using waters near Kochi and coastal areas of Kasargod and Malappuram instead.
Officials warn that the network has been weakened but has not disappeared.
Salim Dola’s arrest and extradition disrupted the Dawood Ibrahim-Haji Salim narcotics network.
Haji Salim’s operations have reportedly become more cautious, with smaller consignments and changed landing points.
Officials say shipments that once ranged from 2,000 to 5,000 kilograms have been significantly reduced.
The network is relying on small boats and coastal routes in Tamil Nadu and Kerala to evade detection.
Interceptions have reduced activity near Kerala’s Vizhinjam coast, while routes near Kochi, Kasargod and Malappuram remain active.
- Who
- Indian agencies, Salim Dola, and the Haji Salim narcotics network are central to the report.
- What
- The arrest and extradition of Salim Dola disrupted the cartel and prompted it to reduce shipment sizes and change smuggling routes.
- When
- The report compares current operations with activity two years earlier and says the changes followed Dola’s arrest and multiple recent interceptions.
- Where
- The reported routes include coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with supply links involving Iran, Afghanistan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The network is changing tactics to avoid surveillance and interception after law-enforcement crackdowns and Dola’s arrest.
- Main development
- Salim Dola was arrested and extradited, disrupting the Dawood Ibrahim-Haji Salim narcotics cartel.
- Shipment sizes
- Shipments once reportedly ranged from 2,000 to 5,000 kilograms; officials say they are now much smaller.
- Tamil Nadu routes
- Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam, Rameswaram, the Palk Strait and the Thoothukudi outer coast are cited as preferred routes.
- Kerala routes
- The network has shifted toward Kochi rural waters, coastal Kasargod and Malappuram.
- Reduced activity
- Operations near Kerala’s Vizhinjam outer sea coastline have declined after several successful interceptions.
- Reported transit chain
- Shipments reportedly originated in Iran, passed through Afghanistan and Malaysia, and reached Sri Lanka before entering regional markets.
- Destination markets
- Some shipments through northern Kerala are reportedly intended for Kerala, Goa and Karnataka, while the wider network also served Maldives and Mauritius.