Haji Salim, often referred to as the “Lord of Drugs,” is a name synonymous with global narcotics trafficking. Operating primarily from Pakistan, Salim heads a sprawling criminal network that smuggles substantial quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances into India and other regions. His activities have placed him at the center of India’s anti-drug efforts, particularly through the ambitious Operation Sagar Manthan. Salim’s criminal empire first came to light in 2015 when authorities linked him to a major drug seizure in Kerala. Over the years, his name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with significant narcotics busts, solidifying his reputation as a drug kingpin. His close association with fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim and alleged ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) provide him with a layer of protection that has allowed his operations to flourish. Based in Balochistan, Salim’s strategic location offers access to key sea routes, making it an ideal base for trafficking. In response to the escalating threat posed by Salim’s operations, the Indian government launched Operation Sagar Manthan, a collaborative initiative involving the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Gujarat Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The operation focuses on intercepting maritime drug shipments, a method Salim has perfected over the years. So far, the operation has resulted in the seizure of more than 3,400 kilograms of narcotics and the arrest of multiple suspects, including nationals from Iran and Pakistan. These achievements underscore the operation’s effectiveness in disrupting Salim’s supply chains. Salim’s syndicate employs a range of sophisticated tactics to evade detection. His consignments are often marked with coded labels like “777,” “555,” and “flying horse.” Drugs are typically transported via sea routes, starting from Iran and passing through countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia before reaching Indian shores in states like Gujarat and Kerala. This well-oiled trafficking network accounts for an estimated 70% of the narcotics smuggled across India’s seas. The global reach of Salim’s operations extends to regions like Mauritius, New Zealand, the United States, and Afghanistan. His recruitment strategy exploits unemployed youth from Balochistan, drawing them into the drug trade. The ISI’s alleged support bolsters his operations, making him a formidable adversary for law enforcement agencies. Despite his widespread influence, authorities have limited information about Salim’s personal life. An old photograph remains the only tangible evidence of his identity. The success of operations like Sagar Manthan demonstrates India’s commitment to combating drug trafficking. A recent breakthrough involved the interception of 700 kilograms of methamphetamine off the Gujarat coast. Acting on intelligence about an unregistered vessel, Indian authorities launched a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of eight Iranian nationals. Other operations have led to the capture of Pakistani nationals, further unraveling Salim’s extensive drug pipeline. Dismantling Salim’s network is fraught with challenges. The ISI’s support shields his activities, while his expertise in maritime trafficking complicates interception efforts. Limited intelligence about his personal life adds another layer of difficulty. Despite these obstacles, the NCB and international law enforcement agencies remain committed to breaking his empire. Enhanced intelligence-sharing, technological advancements in surveillance, and coordinated global efforts are crucial in this fight. Salim’s operations are a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of organized crime on global security and public health. Efforts to dismantle his network represent more than a victory against one individual; they signify a broader commitment to combating the transnational drug trade. By targeting key figures like Salim, law enforcement agencies can disrupt the supply chains that fuel addiction and violence worldwide. 17 November 2024
