Delhi’s law enforcement agencies have made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, arresting 254 foreign nationals since 2024. The government reported that narcotics valued at over ₹40.53 crore were seized from these individuals, as shared during a Lok Sabha session.
The arrests, reported by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, occurred in various locations across the National Capital Region. This includes areas known for housing foreign nationals, such as Khanpur Extension, Deoli, Sangam Vihar, Mehrauli, and Hauz Rani.
Data from the Delhi Police indicates that of the total arrests, 40 took place in 2024, 35 in 2025, and 15 in the first half of 2026. The seized drugs include a variety of substances such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ganja, and charas.
The monitoring and regulation of foreign nationals living in Delhi is an ongoing operation. Authorities discovered 103 foreign nationals residing in rented homes without the necessary tenant verification—a crucial step for maintaining security. Action has been initiated against 63 landlords for bypassing these regulations.
In further efforts to ensure safety, Rai revealed the government’s commitment to a “Zero Tolerance” policy towards drug trafficking. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has adopted advanced technology and intelligence-led operations to target drug networks operating through the darknet and encrypted communication platforms.
The NCB is tapping into cyber expertise to unravel darknet-enabled drug trafficking and the use of cryptocurrency for these transactions. In collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Rashtriya Raksha University, the bureau has initiated specialized training on digital forensics and darknet monitoring.
Rai emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat drug trafficking. The government’s Vision Document on Narcotics Control draws a roadmap for the next three years that integrates a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” approach. This framework sets time-bound targets aimed at strengthening financial investigations and international cooperation.
The initiative also involves operating a 24×7 MANAS national narcotics helpline and promoting Mission Drug-Free Campus in educational institutions to raise awareness and mitigate drug abuse.
As the Delhi government steps up its efforts against drug trafficking, the situation reflects a growing recognition of the dangers posed by narcotics, alongside a commitment to enhancing public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement operations.
