Narcotics – Delhi Intensifies Crackdown With New Anti-Drug Police Unit
Narcotics – Delhi Police carried out a large-scale destruction of confiscated narcotic substances valued at nearly Rs 72 crore while simultaneously announcing the approval of the capital’s first dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force police station. Authorities described the move as part of a broader strategy to strengthen action against illegal drug trafficking across the city.
Dedicated Anti-Narcotics Police Station Approved
Speaking during the event, Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said the battle against narcotics extends beyond policing and requires society-wide participation. He stressed that drug abuse damages families, communities and social stability, adding that Delhi is working toward the target of becoming a drug-free city by 2027.
Sandhu stated that the newly approved Anti-Narcotics Task Force police station would allow investigators to carry out more focused operations against organised drug syndicates. According to officials, the specialised unit is expected to improve coordination among enforcement agencies and support long-term monitoring of trafficking activities.
The Lieutenant-Governor also highlighted the importance of cooperation between educational institutions, healthcare departments, local communities, civil society groups and media organisations in preventing drug abuse. He noted that isolated efforts would not be enough to dismantle expanding narcotics networks operating in the national capital.
Large Quantity of Seized Drugs Destroyed
Delhi Police said the destroyed contraband included around 1,610 kilograms of cannabis, 21 kilograms of charas, 11 kilograms of heroin, 591 grams of cocaine, 21 kilograms of cannabis sativa and nearly 30 kilograms of Alprazolam tablets. These substances had been seized during separate operations conducted by the Crime Branch and South district units.
Officials explained that the destruction process was undertaken after completion of all legal formalities linked to the cases. The disposal drive forms part of the police department’s ongoing effort to ensure that confiscated narcotics are permanently removed from circulation.
Authorities added that regular destruction exercises are considered necessary to maintain transparency and strengthen public confidence in anti-drug enforcement measures.
Rise in NDPS Cases and Arrests
Police records released during the programme showed that by April 30 this year, Delhi had registered 1,129 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. These investigations resulted in the arrest of 1,397 individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking and street-level peddling activities.
Financial investigations connected to narcotics operations have also intensified. Officials revealed that assets worth more than Rs 11.25 crore linked to illegal drug trade activities have been identified and seized as part of the ongoing crackdown.
Law enforcement agencies believe financial scrutiny is becoming an important tool in weakening organised narcotics networks by targeting their economic structure along with criminal operations.
Action Against Repeat Offenders
Delhi Police further stated that detention orders under the PITNDPS Act have been issued against nine suspected drug traffickers this year. Two of them have reportedly been shifted to Chennai jail in an effort to disrupt their influence over local criminal networks operating in Delhi.
Authorities also confirmed that proposals against 48 repeat offenders accused of involvement in narcotics smuggling and trafficking are currently under examination. Officials said repeat offenders continue to remain a major focus area for enforcement agencies because of their links to organised supply chains.
Over the past three years, Delhi Police has conducted eight major destruction drives involving narcotic substances. During this period, nearly 46,500 kilograms of illegal drugs valued at approximately Rs 13,830 crore in the international market have reportedly been destroyed in the capital.
Thousands of Stolen Phones Returned
In a separate development, Delhi Police handed over more than 12,600 recovered and lost mobile phones to their owners under the initiative titled “Operation Vishwas”. Officials said the programme reflects the increasing use of technology-driven policing methods aimed at improving citizen services.
The Lieutenant-Governor praised the initiative and said such recovery operations demonstrate a more responsive and people-focused policing approach in the city.