Shera Batla Arrested: Mumbai Police Cracks ₹23 Crore Drug Nexus.

Mumbai Police Nabs Salim Dola’s Aide Shera Batla in Dubai Deportation Crackdown

• In Major Bust, Mumbai Crime Branch Arrests Drug Kingpin Shera Batla from Dubai

• Inside the Global Drug Syndicate: Dubai to India Nexus

• A Trail of Narcotics: Six Major Cases Against Batla

The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested Salman Saleem Shaikh alias Shera Batla, a key aide of drug lord Salim Dola, following his deportation from Dubai. Batla, wanted in six major narcotics cases, was part of a ₹23 crore drug trafficking network spanning Maharashtra and Telangana. His capture marks a major breakthrough in the crackdown on international narcotics syndicates, strengthening India–UAE cooperation against cross-border organized crime.

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Mumbai Police Nets Salim Dola’s Aide in Major Dubai Deportation, Unravels ₹23 Crore Drug Nexus

In a significant blow to international narcotics syndicates, Mumbai Crime Branch has secured the deportation from Dubai and arrest of Salman Saleem Shaikh alias Shera Batla, a key lieutenant of fugitive drug lord Salim Dola. The arrest is linked to a sprawling ₹23 crore narcotics investigation spanning multiple Indian states.

Shera Batla, a 35-year-old Dongri resident, had been evading capture for nearly three years. He is a wanted accused in six major drug trafficking cases across Maharashtra and Telangana. His deportation marks a critical victory for Indian agencies targeting cross-border crime.

Shera Batla: The International Operations Man

Mumbai’s drug networks maintain extensive global connections, police sources confirm. These syndicates operate through hubs in Dubai, China, and Saudi Arabia. Batla was a pivotal operational figure within this illicit ecosystem.

He frequently travelled to the Middle East and East Asia. His role involved coordinating complex international smuggling operations for the syndicate. This intelligence emerged from ongoing investigations by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC).

The Dubai Link: Unraveling the Syndicate Chain

The breakthrough followed an earlier arrest on October 22, 2024. Crime Branch Unit 7 apprehended Dubai-based kingpin Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh. He allegedly controlled a vast drug manufacturing and distribution ring within India.

During his interrogation, Shaikh revealed his association with Shera Batla. Police discovered both men resided in the same Dubai neighbourhood. A Red Corner Notice was swiftly executed via Interpol.

United Arab Emirates authorities subsequently detained Batla. He was held at a Dubai airport attempting to board an international flight. His formal deportation to India was completed on Saturday.

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A Trail of Narcotics: Six Major Cases Unveiled

Deputy Commissioner of Police (ANC) Navnath Dhavale confirmed Batla’s arrest. It pertains to a 2022 case registered by the Ghatkopar ANC Unit. Four accused were previously arrested and charge-sheeted in this matter.

Three others, including Batla, were declared absconding in the case. The 2022 investigation involved seizing 995 grams of Mephedrone (MD). The drugs were valued at approximately ₹2 crore from a Nagpada resident.

Investigations proved Batla was the primary supplier in this seizure. Police describe him as a repeat offender with deep involvement. His name features prominently in six serious narcotics cases:

• 2023: Crime Branch Unit 6 seized 356 grams of Ketamine, MD, and Charas. The haul was worth ₹72.6 lakh; Batla was a wanted accused.
• 2024: Barshi Takli Police in Akola busted a drug manufacturing unit. They seized 5.5 kg of Ephedrine worth ₹1.38 crore; Batla financed the operation.
• 2024: Bhongir Police in Telangana uncovered a massive factory. It produced 110 kg of MD and 10 kg of Alprazolam worth ₹23 crore; Batla’s role was confirmed.
• July 2025: Sakinaka Police busted a Mysuru drug factory. The seizure was 180 kg of MD worth over ₹400 crore; Batla was again linked.
• Dongri Police also seized 47 grams of MD worth ₹9.4 lakh, naming Batla.
• India-UAE Cooperation: Dismantling Transnational Networks

The past six months have seen intensified India-UAE security cooperation. Four major drug traffickers have been extradited from the UAE during this period. This coordinated effort signals a robust crackdown on international syndicates.

Authorities first extradited Taher Dola, son of kingpin Salim Dola, from Abu Dhabi. July 2025 saw the extradition of Mustaka Kubbawala. He operated a synthetic drug factory in Sangli, leading to a ₹256 crore seizure.

On October 22, Salim Shaikh was deported before Batla’s extradition this week. Officials hail these operations as a significant strategic step. They are crucial for dismantling India’s entrenched transnational narcotics networks.

Legal Proceedings and Future Investigations

Following his deportation, Shera Batla was produced before Mumbai’s Esplanade Court. The court remanded him to police custody for five days. This custody is critical for extracting further intelligence on syndicate operations.

The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team assesses this arrest is pivotal. It provides direct insights into the financial architecture of drug cartels. Investigators will probe money laundering routes and hawala channels.

The next step involves convincing the UAE to deport top boss Salim Dola himself. Batla’s interrogation could provide the necessary evidence for this action. The Mumbai Police Commissioner’s office is leading this diplomatic effort.

This case underscores a new era of international law enforcement collaboration. It demonstrates a sustained commitment to eradicating organised drug trade networks threatening national security.