In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Delhi Police arrested 74 alleged drug offenders across 325 locations in 15 districts of the national capital. The two-day operation, codenamed “Kavach-5,” was conducted on August 31 and September 1 as part of a larger initiative launched in May 2023 to combat drug trafficking in Delhi.

During the operation, authorities seized approximately 108.93 grams of heroin, 66.28 kg of ganja, 1,100 grams of charas, and 16 grams of MDMA, according to the Delhi Police. Additionally, 54 cases were registered under the Delhi Excise Act against the accused individuals.

Between January and August 2023, the Delhi Police arrested 961 narco-offenders in 695 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases, recovering around 65.086 kg of heroin/smack, 1.912 kg of cocaine, 2,258.379 kg of ganja, 102.345 kg of opium, 42.606 kg of charas, and 73.06 kg of poppy heads, among other substances.

A ground-level survey revealed that many major drug traffickers have gone underground due to the surprise police actions. As a result, large-scale drug traffickers are avoiding bringing commercial quantities into Delhi, likely establishing storehouses outside the city.

The Delhi Police said that the recent bust of a Nigerian drug trafficking ring, with a substantial quantity of contraband seized by the Noida Police, indicates that traffickers are now operating from outside Delhi. The crackdown has reportedly reduced the drug supply within the city.

Previously, traffickers would transport large quantities of marijuana, also known as ganja, via trucks. However, their modus operandi has shifted to smaller quantities transported by cars and trains. Traffickers also employ women and children traveling with families to evade detection.

(Inputs from ANI)