Operation Kawach: 64 drug hotspots identified, 907 locations raided

Delhi Police has identified 64 hotspot areas where narcotics are allegedly being sold and conducted raids at 907 locations during a 24-hour operation named ‘Operation Kawach’, an official reported on Thursday.

The police stated that more than 700 individuals have been arrested out of the 1,240 people detained during the operation.

‘Operation Kawach’ is a periodic initiative by the Delhi Police to tackle criminals and drug traffickers in the capital.

All Delhi Police units, including the Crime Branch, Special Cell, and officers from 15 districts, participated in the operation, which ran from November 12 to 13, according to Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Devesh Chandra Srivastava.

“Throughout the operation, 1,224 individuals were detained at 907 locations, with over 700 arrests made,” Srivastava said.

He added that the operation led to the identification of 64 hotspot areas in Delhi where drugs are being sold, and teams will continue to monitor these areas round-the-clock.

“In our efforts to eradicate the drug menace, strong action is being taken against narcotics offenders. By October 31, the Delhi Police had arrested 1,268 narcotics offenders in 886 NDPS cases, recovering around 71.1 kg of heroin, 1,293 kg of cocaine, 3,241 kg of ganja, 103 kg of opium, 50.5 kg of charas, and 80.5 kg of poppy heads,” he noted.

Srivastava further mentioned that ‘Operation Kawach’ was launched across Delhi in May 2023, focusing on identifying and apprehending those involved in drug trafficking and distribution.

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He emphasised that strict action against drug traffickers, arms dealers, and surprise raids had significantly reduced the supply of drugs in the city. Based on reports, most major drug traffickers have gone underground, and key players are avoiding bringing large quantities of drugs into Delhi.

The operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of drugs, including approximately 870.1 grams of heroin, 244.8 kg of ganja, 16.1 grams of cocaine, and 434 grams of MDMA. Additionally, Rs 34,420 in cash, a 20-gram gold chain, a motorcycle, a scooter, and a tempo were seized. Fourteen individuals were arrested in 14 separate Arms Act cases, with the recovery of six country-made pistols, nine live cartridges, eight knives, and 15 stolen motorcycles.

Police also raided illegal pan shops in eastern Delhi areas like GTB Enclave, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, and Karkardooma, within a 100-metre radius, prosecuting 44 individuals under the COTPA Act.

The officer explained that eight major operations were conducted during the raid, with several of the accused being serial offenders or caught in the act while delivering drugs. One Nigerian national involved in drug supply was also arrested. The entire operation was closely supervised and coordinated by Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Bhatia and Deputy Commissioner of Police Bhisham Singh.

(With inputs from PTI)