Delhi Police nab 267 narco-offenders during ‘Operation Kavach 13’

In a 48-hour crackdown under “Operation Kavach 13.0”, the Delhi Police arrested 267 alleged narcotics offenders in 229 cases and seized substantial quantities of contraband, an official said on Wednesday.

The operation, conducted from March 29 to 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. The drive targeted drug traffickers, suppliers and organised criminal networks.

During the operation, the police seized 100 kg of cannabis, 1.170 kg of cocaine, 260.65 grams of heroin, 179.11 grams of MDMA, 57 grams of amphetamine, more than 2,000 buprenorphine tablets, and 183 injections.

In parallel action under the Delhi Excise Act, 416 cases were registered and 429 individuals arrested. Authorities also recovered a large quantity of illicit liquor and 200 e-cigarettes, while 2,993 people were booked for public drinking.

Under the Arms Act, 259 individuals were arrested in 254 cases, with recoveries including 19 pistols, 42 country-made firearms, 79 live cartridges, and 191 knives. Police also intensified action against gambling, arresting 528 individuals in 296 cases and recovering over Rs10.28 lakh.

Additionally, 59 proclaimed offenders and 42 auto lifters were apprehended, and 73 stolen vehicles recovered. A total of 3,545 vehicles were seized under the Delhi Police Act.

Preventive measures formed a significant part of the operation. Police arrested 1,374 individuals to avert potential offences, placed 5,359 people in preventive custody, and detained 41,394 persons under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act. Authorities also checked 5,691 history-sheeters as part of surveillance efforts.

Further enforcement saw 7,971 violators prosecuted under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. Police identified 134 crime hotspots and carried out targeted action. Cordon-and-search operations covered 760 locations, including parks and public spaces, leading to action against 843 individuals.

During verification drives, 4,219 previously booked drug offenders were checked—1,494 were found present, 352 were already in judicial custody, and 14 were absconding. Authorities also verified 72 foreign nationals, resulting in one deportation.

In specific cases, a Nigerian national was arrested in Mehrauli with over 1 kg of cocaine. In Narela, two individuals were apprehended with heroin. Additional raids led to the arrest of several drug peddlers, including a woman in Mangolpuri found with 100 grams of heroin, and another accused linked to a larger supply network.

Police also took action against individuals involved in the illegal possession and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs and injections.

In a 48-hour crackdown under “Operation Kavach 13.0,” Delhi Police arrested 267 alleged narcotics offenders in 229 cases and seized substantial quantities of contraband, an official said on Wednesday.

The operation, conducted from March 29 to 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. The drive targeted drug traffickers, suppliers, and organised criminal networks.

During the operation, police seized 100 kg of cannabis, 1.170 kg of cocaine, 260.65 grams of heroin, 179.11 grams of MDMA, 57 grams of amphetamine, more than 2,000 buprenorphine tablets, and 183 injections.