Overview
- Mohammed Salim Suhail Shaikh, alias Lavish, was handed over by UAE authorities and arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch on October 22, and a court has remanded him in police custody until October 30.
- He is the third accused sent back from the UAE in this probe this year, following the deportations of Tahir Salim Dola and Mustafa Mohammed Kubbawala.
- Police link Shaikh to a Sangli-based mephedrone network, with total seizures of about 126 kg of the drug and related assets valued at roughly Rs 252–256.49 crore, and 15 arrests to date.
- Investigators describe him as a close associate of trafficker Salim Dola who coordinated manufacturing and distribution across several Indian states using chemicals sourced from the UAE and funds routed via hawala and angadiya channels.
- Authorities say efforts continue to locate Dola, who is wanted in the case and is suspected to be outside the UAE, with further overseas action anticipated.