Delhi Police launched Operation Kavach as a focused enforcement drive against the drug mafia to strengthen efforts towards a drug-free National Capital. The operation has been conducted in multiple phases across Delhi, alongside regular action under narcotics and excise laws. The initiative reflects a wider policing strategy combining raids, arrests, seizures and demolition drives against drug networks.
Operation Kavach and Special Drives
Since 13 May 2023, Delhi Police has carried out 12 special operations under Operation Kavach up to 23 January 2026. During these drives:
- 9,694 locations were raided.
- 851 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
- 1,690 cases were registered under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009.
- 2,640 persons were arrested.
Drug-Related Cases and Seizures
During 2023 to 2026, up to 15 February 2026, Delhi Police registered 5,467 drug-related FIRs. In the same period, 7,134 persons were arrested. Police also seized about 17,435 kilogrammes of drugs, including charas, opium, ganja, smack, heroin, poppy seed and cocaine. These figures indicate sustained enforcement against supply chains and street-level trafficking.
Action Against Traffickers
Delhi Police has not seized any properties belonging to drug traffickers during this period. However, it carried out 29 joint demolition operations with civic agencies against drug traffickers. Such actions are aimed at disrupting illegal activity and removing structures used for criminal purposes. The use of demolition drives shows coordination between police and municipal bodies in anti-drug enforcement.
Legal and Administrative Context
The data was placed before the Lok Sabha in a written reply by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The response marks the role of Delhi Police in enforcing the NDPS Act and the Delhi Excise Act. It also reflects the continuing challenge of narcotics trafficking in the National Capital and the need for coordinated law enforcement, public awareness and rehabilitation measures.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026