Delhi Police Crack Down on Drug Network in Multi-District Raids

On the night of August 9 to 10, 2025, Delhi Police arrested 92 narco offenders in a sweeping anti-narcotics operation called Operation Kavach 9.0. The coordinated effort reached 794 locations across all 15 districts of the capital. Officers seized large quantities of illegal substances, including heroin, ganja, MDMA, LSD, charas, and over ₹12 lakh in cash. The operation involved 360 teams from police stations, the crime branch, and the special cell working in unison to disrupt drug activity ahead of national celebrations.

Comprehensive Action Extends Beyond Narcotics

Beyond arrests, Delhi Police launched 275 cases under the Delhi Excise Act, detained nearly 13,000 individuals under provisions of the Delhi Police Act, and confiscated more than 50,000 quarters of illicit liquor. They also launched enforcement actions against almost 3,000 vendors selling tobacco products near schools. Police executed preventive custody for thousands and seized vehicles linked with criminal activity. Joint Commissioner Surendra Kumar noted that the operation reflects the police’s renewed commitment to curtailing the drug trade and safeguarding community health.

Operation Kavach is not new. Earlier phases produced similar results and revealed deeper systemic issues. For example, Operation Kavach 7.0 in February 2025 targeted over 700 locations and arrested 90 offenders, alongside seizures of heroin, marijuana, cocaine, arms, and illicit liquor. Earlier still, Kavach 6.0 and 5 achieved significant arrests and confiscations across hundreds of sites, yet the cycle of crime continues. Criminal networks adapt quickly, and enforcement remains reactive rather than preventive.

Impact and What It Means for Delhi

This operation delivers a visible blow to Delhi’s drug trade. It signals that the city’s law enforcement can still mobilize at scale. However, without lasting structural reforms—better intelligence, sustained surveillance, strength in community policing—these victories may offer only temporary deterrence.

The crackdown underlines what happens when authorities act decisively. Delhi needs consistent enforcement, educational campaigns, and a crackdown on supply chains—not just episodic operations. If the city plans to safeguard its future beyond Independence Day, then commitment must stretch through the year, not just toward the next bulletin.

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