In a major development in the ₹252-crore mephedrone trafficking investigation, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has linked several well-known Bollywood personalities and public figures to alleged high-profile drug parties, based on disclosures made by a recently arrested key suspect. These revelations are recorded in the police remand copy submitted to the court.
The breakthrough follows the deportation and arrest of Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh, a 31-year-old from Dongri, who was apprehended in Dubai and is the 15th accused to be arrested in the case that began with a small seizure in February 2024. Shaikh is suspected to be a close aide of underworld-linked drug trafficker Salim Dola, associated with the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate.
According to investigators, Shaikh has reportedly revealed information about lavish drug-fuelled parties held in India and abroad, allegedly attended by prominent Bollywood actors and other influential personalities. As per the remand copy, he has named Shraddha Kapoor, Siddhanth Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, politician Zeeshan Siddiqui, Alishah Parkar, producer Abbas-Mustan, and rapper Loka, among others, claiming they were present at such gatherings.
The remand note states that these events were typically organised at upscale venues or private farmhouses, allegedly financed through drug proceeds. Shaikh is accused of managing the logistics, from recruiting peddlers to ensuring direct supply at these parties.
The case is being jointly probed by the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), with the latter suspecting that narcotics profits were routed through hawala channels and real-estate investments to appear legitimate.
Officials have indicated that several high-profile individuals named during interrogation are likely to be summoned in the coming days for detailed questioning.
The investigation has also found that the drug parties extended beyond Mumbai and Goa to international locations such as Dubai and Thailand, where supplies were allegedly facilitated through Indian-origin businessmen.