Mumbai Drug Syndicate Funded From Pakistan: Chhota Shakeel's Brother Anwar Sheikh Allegedly Behind MD Drugs Operations

Mumbai: In a significant revelation, Mumbai Crime Branch has uncovered that the production of synthetic drugs like Mephedrone (MD) in India is allegedly being financed by Pakistan-based fugitive Anwar Sheikh, also known as Anwar Bhai — the brother of underworld don Chhota Shakeel. Anwar fled India in 1984 and is wanted for serious crimes including murder and extortion.

According to top sources, D-Company — the notorious crime syndicate controlled by Dawood Ibrahim — is heavily involved in expanding drug production operations in India, with direct funding from Anwar Bhai. In 2021, his name had surfaced in connection with threatening a real estate developer in Mumbai.

Dawood Aide Salim Dola Key to MD Drug Distribution; Son, Nephew Arrested

Crime Branch investigations further suggest that Salim Dola, a close Dawood aide, plays a key role in distributing the MD drugs after they are produced. While Dola remains at large, his son Taher Dola and nephew Mustafa Kubbawala have already been extradited from the UAE and arrested in connection with the case.

Kidnap Victim Testifies: “Gang Linked to Anwar Bhai Tortured Us in Navi Mumbai”

In a related development, witness Shabbir Siddiqui told investigators that he and drug producer Sajid were abducted and taken to a bungalow in Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

There, gang leader Sarwar Khan reportedly beat Sajid and threatened him, saying “You don’t know who I work for — I’m with Anwar Bhai, Chhota Shakeel’s brother. The money you received is his. If you don’t return it, you’ll be killed.”

Siddiqui further stated in his official testimony that both he and Sajid were brutally beaten with belts and wooden sticks. He was also stripped, forced to dance, and filmed — as part of the humiliation and intimidation tactics. During the torture, Khan allegedly confessed that MD drugs are financed by Anwar Bhai and later distributed by Salim Dola and Umedur Rehman.

Background of the Case

The chain of events began when Mumbai Crime Branch’s Unit 3 and 5 rescued drug chemist Sajid Electricwala from Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, a month after he had been kidnapped by the drug gang.

Investigations revealed that the gang had given Sajid an advance of Rs 50 lakh to manufacture Mephedrone, but he failed to deliver and also did not return the money.

In retaliation, the gang abducted him, demanded Rs 50 lakh in ransom from his family, and allegedly extorted an additional Rs 3 crore under threats of violence.

Mumbai Crime Branch Busts Underworld-Linked Extortion Racket; ₹40 Lakh Paid To Dawood Aide Sarvar Khan

D-Company Expands to Synthetic Drugs Using International Funding & Local Networks

The case highlights how the D-Company’s operations have evolved from extortion and smuggling to large-scale synthetic drug manufacturing, using international funding and local gang networks. Investigations are ongoing as law enforcement seeks to dismantle the syndicate and track down remaining fugitives.