New Delhi, April 1 In a 48-hour crackdown under "Operation Kavach 13.0," the Delhi Police arrested 267 drug offenders in 229 cases, detained individuals, and seized significant quantities of contraband, an official said on Wednesday.
The operation, conducted between March 29 and 31 across all 15 police districts, involved simultaneous raids at 3,211 locations by over 1,000 police teams, including personnel from district units, the Crime Branch, and the Special Cell.
Police said that drug traffickers, suppliers, and organized criminal networks were targeted.
During the operation, 267 individuals were arrested in cases related to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Significant quantities of contraband were seized, including 100 kg of cannabis, 1.170 kg of cocaine, 260.65 grams of heroin, 179.11 grams of MDMA, 57 grams of amphetamine, over 2,000 buprenorphine tablets, and 183 injections.
"Over 416 cases were registered under the Delhi Excise Act, and 429 individuals were arrested. Police recovered a large quantity of illicit liquor and 200 e-cigarettes. 2,993 individuals were also booked for drinking in public places," a senior police officer said.
Under the Arms Act, 259 individuals were arrested in 254 cases. Nineteen pistols, 42 country-made firearms, 79 live cartridges, and 191 knives were recovered. Police also intensified action against gambling activities, arresting 528 individuals in 296 cases and recovering over ₹10.28 lakh in cash.
"Apart from these, 59 proclaimed offenders and 42 auto lifters were arrested. Seventy-three stolen vehicles were recovered during the operation. 3,545 vehicles were seized under the provisions of the Delhi Police Act. Preventive action formed a major component of the operation. Around 1,374 individuals were arrested to prevent potential offenses. Additionally, 5,359 individuals were taken into preventive custody, while 41,394 individuals were detained under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act," the officer said.
Police also initiated action under various provisions of the BNSS and the Delhi Police Act against violators, while 5,691 history-sheeters were checked to monitor their activities.
In a parallel enforcement effort, 7,971 individuals were prosecuted under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. Authorities identified 134 crime hotspots and conducted targeted action in these areas.
As part of cordon-and-search operations, 760 locations, including parks, public places, and toilets, were covered, leading to action against 843 individuals.
"During verification drives of previously booked drug offenders, 4,219 individuals were checked. Of these, 1,494 were found present, 352 were already in judicial custody, and 14 were found absconding. The operation also included scrutiny of foreign nationals, with 72 individuals checked and one person deported.
"In one case, a Nigerian national was arrested in Mehrauli with over 1 kg of cocaine. In another case, two individuals were apprehended in Narela with heroin. Separate raids led to the arrest of multiple drug peddlers, including a woman with 100 grams of heroin in Mangolpuri and another accused linked to a larger drug supply network," the officer added.
Police also arrested individuals involved in the illegal possession of pharmaceutical drugs and injections.