'Salim Dola planned massive mephedrone scale-up to flood Indian markets'

NEW DELHI: The arrest of Dawood Ibrahim’s close aide, Salim Dola, was a major shot in the arm for the Indian intelligence agencies, for not only will his questioning help them unravel his vast network, but also help in controlling the menace of mephedrone smuggling into India.

Over the years, mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC, and 4-methylephedron, has been flooding the Indian markets in huge quantities.

The drug, also known as white magic, meow-meow and bubble, was being produced and smuggled in huge numbers by Dola and his associates. In fact, among the drugs that he smuggled, mephedrone had the biggest consumer market in India.

Officials say that Dola focused on marketing this drug as it is hugely popular among the youngsters in India. It is a highly addictive synthetic drug, and due to its lower cost, it has become a huge draw in India.

A gram of mephedrone costs Rs 160 when compared to the Rs 3,000 per gram that cocaine costs. Dola was planning on increasing the production of this drug.

In India, he largely focused on states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. He was planning on expanding his business to several other states in the months to come, officials also pointed out.

Mephedrone arrived first in India in 2013, and over the years, it has become one of the most popular drugs among the youth. Studies have shown that the consumption of this drug has soared over the years, and hence it has become the favourite narcotic for drug syndicates to smuggle.