Delhi Police's Operation Kavach 10.0: Major Drug Busts and Arrests

In a significant crackdown, the Delhi Police launched Operation Kavach 10.0, resulting in the arrest of 120 drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial narcotics and cash. Conducting raids across 2,003 locations, the police aimed to combat drug trafficking in anticipation of the festive season. The operation involved over 1,140 police teams targeting active traffickers and organized crime. With numerous arrests and drug seizures, including heroin, marijuana, and cocaine, the operation highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks in the capital. Read on for more details about this extensive operation and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2025, 10:07 IST

Significant Drug Seizures in Delhi

Under the initiative dubbed "Operation Kavach 10.0," the Delhi Police have apprehended 120 drug traffickers linked to 96 cases under the NDPS Act, alongside seizing a substantial quantity of narcotics and cash amounting to ₹21 lakh.The police conducted raids at 2,003 locations across the capital, resulting in the arrest of over 800 individuals for various offenses. Authorities indicated that this operation was launched in anticipation of the upcoming festive season, targeting drug traffickers and organized crime.

Details of Operation Kavach

Special Police Commissioner (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava stated that a total of 1,140 police teams from all 15 districts, along with the crime branch and special units, were assigned to execute this extensive operation over a 24-hour period. To combat the threat posed by narcotics and dismantle trafficking networks, the Delhi Police implemented a multi-faceted strategy aimed at targeting active traffickers, suppliers, and organized gangs within the city.

Arrests and Drug Seizures

Operation Kavach's Tenth Phase

As part of the tenth phase of Operation Kavach, the police reported the arrest of 120 drug traffickers and the confiscation of a significant amount of narcotics along with ₹21 lakh in cash. An official provided this update on Monday.

During the operation, 96 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 120 offenders. Authorities seized 158.9 grams of heroin, 40.2 kilograms of marijuana, and 108 grams of cocaine, along with cash totaling ₹21,08,400. Among those arrested was Sangeeta Devi (39) from Dwarka, who was found with over eight kilograms of marijuana and ₹21 lakh in cash.

Role of Local Traffickers

Drug Trafficking in the Region

The police noted that local individuals were playing a significant role in drug trafficking. In another incident in Uttam Nagar, a woman named Barkha was apprehended with 27 grams of heroin. Additionally, police arrested Vinod (48) from Madangir after recovering 2.7 kilograms of marijuana in the Ambedkar Nagar area of South Delhi.

Furthermore, 269 cases were registered under the Delhi Excise Act, resulting in multiple arrests. Authorities reported the seizure of 337 bottles of liquor, 115 bottles of beer, and 278 cans during this operation.

Additional Arrests and Seizures

Public Drinking and Other Offenses

The police also arrested over 1,507 individuals for consuming alcohol in public places. Additionally, 117 people were apprehended in 115 cases under the Arms Act, with the recovery of two pistols, 16 country-made firearms, 23 cartridges, and 95 knives. In gambling-related incidents, 358 individuals were caught across 192 cases, with approximately ₹4 lakh seized.

Moreover, 26 declared criminals and 24 vehicle thieves were arrested, leading to the recovery of 50 stolen two-wheelers. The crime branch also dismantled a large gang involved in the illegal sale of cigarettes without statutory health warnings. Based on a tip-off, police raided a shop near Fatehpuri Mosque, seizing 1.1 lakh cigarette sticks valued at around ₹25 lakh.

Two suspects, Sahid (53) and Mohammad Shahnawaz Ansari (37), were arrested in this case. In another incident, the crime branch recovered 10,000 cigarettes from a shop in Rohini's DC Chowk market, leading to the arrest of Anup Chaurasia (32). Authorities also detained 20,854 individuals under preventive provisions of the Delhi Police Act, with 6,321 taken into precautionary custody.