Delhi Police Seizes Over 17 Tonnes of Drugs, Arrests 7,134 in Major Crackdown
In a significant blow to the narcotics trade, Delhi Police has seized more than 17 tonnes of drugs and arrested 7,134 people over the last three years. This data was presented to the Lok Sabha by Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, highlighting the city's aggressive anti-drug strategy.
Operation Kavach: A Three-Year Enforcement Drive
The figures, covering the period from 2023 to early 2026, emphasize the scale of Operation Kavach, an enforcement initiative aimed at dismantling drug mafias and steering the capital toward a drug-free future. Between May 13, 2023, and January 23, 2026, police conducted 12 intensive special operations, raiding 9,694 locations across Delhi.
These operations resulted in:
- 851 cases registered under the Narcotics Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
- 1,690 cases under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009
- 2,640 suspects taken into custody during the Kavach drives alone
From 2023 to February 15, 2026, at least 5,467 drug-related FIRs have been filed, showcasing the relentless pursuit of offenders.
Massive Drug Seizures and Recovery Efforts
The total contraband recovered amounts to 17,435 kilograms, encompassing a wide range of illicit substances. This includes:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Opium
- Ganja
- Charas
- Smack
- Poppy seeds
In addition to seizures, authorities carried out 29 joint demolition operations with civic agencies to destroy illegal structures used as operational hubs by drug syndicates, further disrupting their networks.
Multi-Layered Awareness and Prevention Strategy
The government has implemented a comprehensive awareness strategy to combat drug trafficking, leveraging digital platforms and community partnerships to reach youth effectively. Key components include:
- The Manas (1933) toll-free helpline for reporting drug crimes
- The 14446 de-addiction helpline for counseling and support
Outreach initiatives like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) have engaged over 24.9 crore people, while the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has collaborated with spiritual organizations through Mission Spandan to sensitize nearly 3.5 crore participants.
International Cooperation and Specialized Task Forces
To enhance enforcement, India currently maintains extradition treaties with 48 countries and specialized arrangements with 12 others, facilitating the surrender of offenders residing abroad. A dedicated task force on darknet, cryptocurrencies, and courier (DCC) has been established to trace and deport high-level narcotics offenders, addressing modern challenges in drug trafficking.
This three-year crackdown underscores Delhi Police's commitment to eradicating the narcotics menace, combining rigorous enforcement with preventive measures to safeguard the community.
