After Salim Dola, India Seeks Extradition Of Two More Wanted Drug Traffickers From Turkey
After Salim Dola, India Seeks Extradition Of Two More Wanted Drug Traffickers From Turkey Published By, Last Updated: May 26, 2026, 09:39 IST Dola, allegedly
After Salim Dola, India Seeks Extradition Of Two More Wanted Drug Traffickers From Turkey Published By, Last Updated: May 26, 2026, 09:39 IST Dola, allegedly associated with international drug syndicates, was extradited to India on April 28. Rapid Read (Image: File photo-Representational) Just weeks after the extradition of alleged drug trafficker and Dawood Ibrahim aide Salim Dola from Turkey, India and Turkey are learnt to be pursuing the extradition of two more wanted men, Punjab-based Navpreet Singh and Madhya Pradesh resident Mohammad Sartaj. Navpreet Singh is wanted in multiple narcotics-related cases, while Sartaj is linked to several cases involving threats and violence. Dola, allegedly associated with international drug syndicates, was extradited to India on April 28. His return was seen as reinforcing security cooperation between New Delhi and Ankara despite strains in bilateral ties over the past year.
Earlier this month, wanted fugitive Prabhdeep Singh was extradited from Azerbaijan on May 13 by the Central Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the Delhi Police Special Cell. He was wanted in connection with the seizure of 358 kg of heroin in 2021. Sources said Prabhdeep, who had been absconding since 2023, allegedly managed India-based operations of an international drug syndicate run by Navpreet Singh alias ‘Nav’, 34, whose last known location was Turkey. According to sources, India submitted Navpreet’s extradition request to Turkey during 2023-24, the Indian Express reported. Mohammad Sartaj, 42, is wanted in several cases related to threats and violence. His extradition request was submitted last year. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Turkey has continued cooperating with India on law enforcement matters despite changing geopolitical equations in West Asia following Operation Sindoor and the Iran-Israel and Israel-Gaza conflicts.
India and Turkey signed a formal extradition treaty in 2001, which came into force in June 2002. The agreement enables both countries to seek the transfer of fugitives wanted in terrorism and other serious criminal cases. Officials said extradition procedures are often lengthy, but security cooperation between the two countries has resulted in the detention, deportation and extradition of wanted individuals, including extremists and transnational narcotics traffickers. In previous instances, Turkey has helped India deport individuals linked to extremist networks, including suspected operatives associated with the Islamic State. Such cases are frequently coordinated through Interpol using red notices and related procedures. Sources said Dola, 59, shifted to Turkey in 2024 in an attempt to obtain citizenship under the country’s investment-linked programme. However, his plans were derailed after Interpol issued a notice at India’s request and intelligence was shared between the two governments through their security agencies in coordination with Interpol.
Authorities also suspected that Dola was preparing to flee Turkey for another country using a fake passport shortly before his detention, sources added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 26, 2026, 09:39 IST News india After Salim Dola, India Seeks Extradition Of Two More Wanted Drug Traffickers From Turkey Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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