Drug Crackdown – Delhi Police Conduct Massive Citywide Anti-Narcotics Drive, Arrest 255 Suspects
Drug Crackdown – Delhi Police carried out an extensive anti-drug campaign across the national capital, leading to the arrest of 255 alleged drug offenders and the registration of 212 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The two-day operation, named “Operation Kavach 14.0,” covered thousands of locations across all 15 police districts as part of an intensified effort to curb illegal drug trafficking and strengthen law enforcement.
Large-Scale Operation Covered Thousands of Locations
According to police officials, the special drive was conducted between 6:00 pm on June 22 and 6:00 pm on June 24. During the 48-hour operation, law enforcement teams searched 4,035 locations throughout Delhi. Authorities recovered a significant quantity of banned substances, including around 237 kilograms of ganja, five kilograms of OG ganja, one kilogram of heroin, nearly 160 grams of cocaine, over 366 grams of charas, more than 101 grams of MDMA, 186 grams of methamphetamine, 2,640 buprenorphine tablets, and 287 pheniramine injections. Police also seized cash amounting to ₹23.27 lakh, believed to be linked to illegal activities.
Coordinated Effort Across Police Units
Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) HGS Dhaliwal said the operation involved 1,474 police teams drawn from every police station in Delhi, along with officers from the Crime Branch and the Special Cell. The coordinated campaign aimed not only to target narcotics-related offences but also to address other violations affecting public safety and law and order across the city.
Action Taken Under Multiple Laws
Apart from narcotics-related arrests, police also initiated action against individuals violating other legal provisions. A total of 4,498 people were booked under Sections 40A and 40B of the Delhi Excise Act for consuming alcohol in public places. Authorities also seized more than 4,708 vehicles under Section 66 of the Delhi Police Act during enforcement activities.
Police further stated that 1,900 individuals were detained as a preventive measure to stop potential criminal activities, while another 444 people were taken into preventive custody. In addition, 60,806 individuals were detained under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act, and officers verified the identities and presence of 5,977 history-sheeters during the operation.
Focus on Public Spaces and Repeat Offenders
As part of the crackdown, police teams carried out cordon-and-search operations at 208 identified hotspots. They also inspected 1,429 parks, public spaces, and public toilets to identify suspicious activities linked to drug abuse and illegal trade.
Authorities prosecuted 8,768 people under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Enforcement teams also took action against 397 alleged narcotics offenders. Additionally, 161 foreign nationals underwent verification, while deportation proceedings were initiated against 21 individuals found to be in violation of applicable regulations.
Ongoing Anti-Drug Campaign in 2026
Police officials said the latest operation forms part of Delhi Police’s broader campaign against narcotics networks. Data released by the department shows that between January 1 and May 31, 2026, police arrested 1,418 alleged drug offenders in connection with 1,812 NDPS cases.
During the same period, authorities recovered approximately 23.3 kilograms of heroin or smack, 1,653.2 kilograms of ganja, 11 kilograms of opium, 25 kilograms of charas, 70.5 kilograms of poppy head, 56.6 kilograms of Alprazolam powder, 52.8 kilograms of doda post, and 12 litres of codeine syrup. Officials said such sustained enforcement drives are intended to disrupt illegal drug networks while improving public safety across the capital.