Delhi: The scourge of cocaine has infiltrated Delhi’s streets, with an alarming 98.8% increase in seizures reported this year. According to data from Delhi Police, 1,293.2 kg of cocaine was seized as of October 15, compared to a mere 15.3 kg in the entirety of the previous year. This staggering rise underscores a near 100-fold increase in just one year.
What was once considered the most elusive drug now ranks second among contraband seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, trailing only marijuana (ganja).
While seizures across all drug categories have risen, the surge in cocaine confiscations is especially concerning. In 2022, cocaine seizures amounted to just 2.98 kg, but in 2023, that figure skyrocketed nearly tenfold. This stark increase reflects the growing grip of narcotics in the national capital, even as police efforts intensify. Despite significant crackdowns and heightened vigilance, officials predict the trend may escalate further.
The rise explained
Delhi has emerged as a critical hub for drug trafficking, acting as a transit point for shipments across states and internationally. A senior police official explained, “Delhi’s connectivity to all states and its access to international flights make it an ideal hub for drug shipments. Most of the drugs that reach Delhi are meant for bulk sale in nearby states or across the nation. Residents of Delhi are not the primary consumers; the drugs are largely transported elsewhere.”
He noted a significant shift in drug consumption patterns as well. “The aspirational nature of drug consumption has driven many to cocaine. People prefer it because of the more sustainable high it offers. With increased purchasing power, many consumers are moving toward what they perceive as premium narcotics. A similar pattern is visible in marijuana, with extensive amounts of imported contraband being seized,” he explained.
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Additionally, the official highlighted a troubling trend in the targeting of college students. “Marijuana is commonly consumed among students, but unfortunately, some also become peddlers. These students are forming a growing consumer base for harder drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. This complicates enforcement efforts, particularly in student dominated areas,” he added.
Major drug seizures this year
Several high-profile drug busts this year reveal the extent of the problem.
On October 1, the Special Cell of Delhi Police reported a massive haul of 1,289 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana smuggled from Thailand. The contraband, recovered from locations in Delhi and Gujarat, has an estimated street value of Rs 13,000 crore.
Two additional arrests were made on December 6 in connection with this operation. Ravinder Basoiya, 44, and Jackson Fernandes, 47, were apprehended in Delhi. Police identified Dubai-based businessman Virendra Basoiya as the cartel’s mastermind.
Earlier in August, a tip-off from a central intelligence agency led to the recovery of drugs worth Rs 5,620 crore. After weeks of tracking, the Special Cell identified key players and executed arrests.
In another major operation on October 10, 200 kg of cocaine valued at Rs 2,000 crore was seized from a warehouse in West Delhi’s Ramesh Nagar. This raid was based on leads from suspects arrested during the Mahipalpur drug bust. The warehouse owner, reportedly a UK citizen, remains at large.
Operation Kavach and police efforts
To counter the growing drug menace, Delhi Police launched Operation Kavach in 2023. This initiative included a 12-hour crackdown from August 31 to September 1, covering all 15 districts. During this operation, police raided 325 locations, arrested 944 individuals, and registered 66 cases under the NDPS Act. They also registered 54 cases under the Delhi Excise Act, resulting in significant seizures of illicit liquor.
Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Bhatia noted, “The majority of seizures occurred due to heightened vigilance during the festive season and a spate of high-profile concerts hosted across Delhi-NCR.” During the operation, police recovered 108.93 grams of heroin, 66.28 kg of marijuana, 1,100 grams of charas, and 16 grams of MDMA.
International player dominate trade
A senior officer with the narcotics department revealed that international players control Delhi’s drug trade. “Local gangs, if involved, primarily act as conduits. The main operations are run by foreign cartels operating from multiple countries, who use sophisticated channels to smuggle drugs into the city via road or air,” he said.
This year has seen an unprecedented crackdown across the board. Apart from Delhi Police, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been instrumental in major drug busts. In November, the NCB confiscated 82.5 kg of high-grade cocaine worth Rs 900 crore.
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Startling statistics
As of December 15, 2024, Delhi Police reported 1,714 NDPS cases and arrested 2,169 drug traffickers. Assets worth Rs 3.13 crore were seized, with an additional Rs 3 crore nearing forfeiture. Under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, action was initiated against seven traffickers, with proceedings underway for 37 more.
Cocaine seizures are just one part of the larger picture. As of October 15, the police had also seized 103.77 kg of opium, 3,132.97 kg of marijuana, 70.84 kg of heroin, 80.54 kg of poppy heads, and 50.57 kg of charas. In comparison, 2023 saw seizures of 62 kg of heroin, 15.31 kg of cocaine, 2,802.29 kg of marijuana, 377.91 kg of opium, and 77.37 kg of charas. Delhi’s surge in drug trafficking underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement, international cooperation, and community-focused solutions. While authorities intensify crackdowns, tackling the societal impact of rising narcotics consumption is equally critical.
