In a significant breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with INTERPOL, secured the repatriation of wanted Kubbawala Mustafa from the UAE. The operation marks a critical milestone in India&rsquo;s international law enforcement collaboration, especially in major narcotics investigations.
Mustafa, the accused in a massive synthetic drug racket, was wanted by the Mumbai Police in connection with FIR No. 67/2024 registered at Kurla Police Station. The case involves the illegal operation of a synthetic drug manufacturing facility in Sangli, Maharashtra, from abroad. Authorities had earlier restored and seized 126.141 kg of Mephedrone, valued at approximately INR 2.522 million, linked directly to the accused and his associates.
The International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the CBI, in partnership with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi, tracked and located Mustafa in the UAE. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, a four-member team from the Mumbai Police travelled to Dubai on 7 July 2025, and successfully brought him back to Mumbai on 11 July 2025, arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
CBI, which serves as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India, had earlier facilitated the publication of a Red Notice against Mustafa on 25 November 2024 at the request of Mumbai Police. Following this, on 19 June 2025, NCB-Abu Dhabi officially invited Indian authorities to dispatch a security mission to escort Mustafa back.
The accused had been charge-sheeted and an open-dated arrest warrant was issued by the Honourable Court, prompting the international effort to locate and extradite him.
INTERPOL Red Notices play a vital role in flagging wanted fugitives to law enforcement agencies across the globe. Through India&rsquo;s BHARATPOL platform, the CBI continues to coordinate such efforts, having facilitated the return of over 100 fugitives in recent years via INTERPOL cooperation.

Fugitive Kubbawala returned from UAE in INTERPOL Crackdown

CBI, INTERPOL Help Return Drug Accused Kubbawala to India

Fugitive Kubbawala returned from UAE in INTERPOL Crackdown

CBI, INTERPOL Help Return Drug Accused Kubbawala to India

July 11, 2025 | 13:04 IST