Delhi Emerges as Drug Transit Hub: Police Seize Massive Consignments

New Delhi: Delhi is fast becoming a critical transit point for illegal drugs, posing a growing challenge for law enforcement. In a major operation, authorities recently seized 562 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of marijuana from Mahipalpur, highlighting the city’s role in the international drug trade.

High-Profile Seizures
The Mahipalpur haul, sourced from a warehouse, is reportedly valued at around ₹5,640 crore in the international market. Previously, a record seizure of 360 kg of cocaine had been reported in the city. Additionally, on 20 November, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Special Cell recovered 328 kg of methamphetamine from a flat in Chhatarpur, valued at ₹262 crore internationally.

Delhi Police Action and Campaigns
Under the ‘Drug-Free India’ initiative, Delhi Police has taken strong measures this year. By 31 October, 1,915 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the arrest of 2,498 drug traffickers and suppliers. The seizures included charas, opium, marijuana, smack-heroin, and cocaine.

Mapping Drug Hotspots
Police have identified 179 hotspots for drug sales in the capital, up from 64 after renewed ground-level surveys. Local police, the Crime Branch, and Special Cell closely monitor these areas to prevent distribution and trafficking.

Targeting Drug Syndicates
So far this year, Delhi Police have confiscated properties worth ₹21.50 crore from 30 major drug offenders. Financial investigations are ongoing for 19 other narcotics criminals, with assets worth ₹5 crore already frozen. Authorities say this is the largest crackdown on drug traffickers in the city in the past three years, compared to previous seizures of ₹38 lakh in 2023 and nearly ₹5 crore in 2024.

Citizen Support and Helpline
Special CP (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava urged citizens to report drug-related activities via the National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’ at 1933. Complaints can be submitted anonymously, and 29 cases have already been registered based on such tips.

With these intensified measures, Delhi Police aim to disrupt the city’s growing role as a hub for drug trafficking and protect both youth and communities from the perils of substance abuse.