Mumbai–Dubai party nexus surfaces in Dawood-linked drug probe
Mumbai – Mumbai entered a fresh controversy this week as investigators uncovered new details in a drug syndicate linked to the Dawood Ibrahim gang. The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) summoned popular social media figure Orhan Awatramani, known as Orry, after his name surfaced in the questioning of trafficker Mohammad Salim Mohammad Suhail Shaikh. The probe exposed a network that allegedly mixed high-profile celebrities, lavish parties, and global trafficking routes.
Investigators intensified the inquiry after UAE authorities deported Shaikh earlier this month. Soon after his arrival in Mumbai, he told officers that he hosted extravagant parties in both Dubai and Mumbai. According to officials, he claimed that these gatherings drew Bollywood A-listers, influencers, and politicians. As the revelations spread, the case quickly grabbed national attention.
According to officers, Shaikh organised the parties at the behest of fugitive drug kingpin Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim. Dola allegedly controlled multiple drug operations across India and abroad. Shaikh described the guest lists, naming the son of Dawood’s late sister Haseena Parkar, Orry, actors Nora Fatehi, Shraddha Kapoor, her brother Siddharth Kapoor, film producers Abbas-Mustan, rapper Loka, and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique. The ANC submitted these claims in its remand application before a Mumbai court. However, officers said they still need to verify every detail as the investigation remains in an early stage.
Officials said they will question Orry first. They will decide on further summons after evaluating his statements. Orry’s representative met ANC investigators on Thursday and informed them that he would appear after November 25. The officer also said the ANC will confirm a specific date soon.
The case traces back to August 2022, when the crime branch and Ghatkopar ANC arrested Worli resident Mohammad Shahrukh Mohammad Shafi Shaikh. Police recovered mephedrone worth ₹1.19 lakh from him. This arrest triggered a chain of follow-up operations. Officers arrested several peddlers and identified deeper links to a larger network. Then, in March 2024, investigators busted a drug-manufacturing facility in Sangli district. The unit reportedly produced mephedrone on a large scale.
Officials said the Sangli unit was operated by Dola and his son, Tahe. UAE authorities deported Tahe in June this year, after which Mumbai Police took him into custody. His relative, Mustaffa Mohammad Khubbawala, was deported in July. These arrests gave investigators access to crucial information about overseas funding and supply channels.
Meanwhile, officers said Shaikh admitted to running multiple drug-manufacturing units. He also described a distribution chain that supplied cocaine, MDMA, charas, hashish and mephedrone across Mumbai. His statements prompted the ANC to widen the investigation and examine possible links between drug networks and high-profile social circles.
As the probe advances, officials plan to scrutinise travel records, financial transactions and communication trails. They aim to determine whether the claims of celebrity involvement hold up under evidence. The ANC also intends to track how the syndicate sustained its operations between India and the UAE.
Mumbai Police said they will release further updates as the investigation progresses.
