India Deports Drug Kingpin Kubbawala Mustafa
Kubbawala Mustafa, a key accused in a ₹252-crore synthetic drug case, has been deported from the United Arab Emirates to India. He was wanted for running a large-scale mephedrone manufacturing unit in Sangli, Maharashtra. After months on the run, Mustafa was brought to Mumbai on July 11 by a special team of Mumbai Police.
Massive Drug Seizure Linked to Mustafa
Last year, law enforcement agencies uncovered 126 kilograms of mephedrone at a chemical factory in Sangli, allegedly operated under Mustafa’s instructions. The seized drugs, classified as a narcotic under Indian law, were valued at over ₹250 crore. Mephedrone, also known as MD, is a synthetic stimulant that poses serious health risks and is banned in India.
Following the bust, multiple FIRs were filed in Mumbai, and an open arrest warrant was issued against Mustafa. A Red Corner Notice was also circulated through Interpol in November 2024 to assist in his international tracking.
Coordinated Global Operation
After receiving confirmation of his location in the UAE, Indian agencies moved swiftly. A four-member Mumbai Police team travelled to Dubai on July 7 and worked with UAE authorities to secure his deportation. Mustafa was taken into custody on arrival at Mumbai Airport and is now being held for further investigation.
Ongoing Crackdown on Drug Cartels
This successful extradition is part of India’s intensified effort to dismantle drug syndicates operating across borders. In the same case, another accused, Taher Salim Dola, was previously deported from the UAE. The Central Bureau of Investigation and Mumbai Police are now focusing on tracking the financial trail and identifying wider networks involved in the drug racket.
Officials said that bringing back such fugitives is key to enforcing accountability and sending a strong message to international drug traffickers. Interrogation of Mustafa is expected to reveal further leads and connections within and outside India.
