Over 1,100 held in drug offence cases in four months, says Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday urged citizens to join hands with the government and law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug abuse, revealing that around 1,100 people had been arrested in drug-related cases over the past four to five months.

Addressing a large gathering at the Yamuna Sports Complex on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Gupta called for a “collective fight” to tackle the growing menace. “Each one of you can contribute. Don’t be discouraged by the thought that one person’s efforts won’t achieve anything,” she said.

She encouraged people to report any incidents of drug sale or consumption in their neighbourhoods through the helpline number 1933. “Let us all come together to contribute to building a drug-free, aware, and empowered Delhi,” she added.

Congratulating the Delhi Police for its ongoing crackdown, Gupta said that not only have 1,100 people been arrested and charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, but many drug users have also been sent to rehabilitation centres. “Anti-social elements destroying society through drug rackets need to be taught a lesson,” she said.

Also Read: Breaking glass ceilings and law: Delhi’s women drug lords

Highlighting the emotional toll of addiction, the Chief Minister said, “Often, parents come to us in distress, saying their children have fallen into drug addiction. They share how their families are breaking apart and how helpless they feel. In such situations, we must step forward and support them.”

She further stated that helping law enforcement and reporting drug crimes is a patriotic duty. “If we love our country, if we love our city, the fight against the drug menace offers us a great opportunity to serve the nation and the youth around us.”

In a message later posted on X (formerly Twitter), Gupta reiterated the government’s vision: “Our goal is that Delhi’s youth channel their energy into nation-building, social service, and positive change – this is the core resolve of our government.” She added that the pledge of a ‘Drug-Free India’ given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now become a nationwide people’s movement.

She also praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his “active guidance and strong administrative leadership” in pushing the anti-drug campaign forward, affirming that the Delhi government is fully committed to achieving this national objective.

Gupta concluded by expressing hope that by 2047, when India marks 100 years of independence, the country would be completely free from the grip of drugs, as envisioned under the “Viksit Bharat” mission.

(With inputs from PTI)