Operation Kavach 10.0: Delhi Police Bust 120 Drug Peddlers in Massive Pre-Festive Raid

Delhi Police executed a high-impact, 24-hour operation dubbed "Operation Kavach 10.0" across the national capital, targeting narcotics trafficking and organized crime in anticipation of the festive season. The coordinated raids, launched on September 20, spanned over 2,000 locations in all 15 districts, involving 1,140 specialized teams from the Crime Branch and Special Cell. Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Devesh Chandra Srivastva announced that the operation resulted in 96 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the arrest of 120 drug peddlers and the recovery of 158.9 grams of heroin, 40.2 kg of cannabis, 108 grams of cocaine, and Rs 21,08,400 in illicit cash.

Key arrests underscored the operation's success. In Dwarka district, 39-year-old Sangeeta Devi, identified as a major player in the local narcotics trade, was apprehended with over 8 kg of cannabis and Rs 21 lakh in cash. In Uttam Nagar, Barkha was nabbed with 27 grams of heroin, while in South Delhi's Ambedkar Nagar, 48-year-old Vinod from Madangir was caught with 2.7 kg of cannabis, later revealing his supplier in Jal Vihar.

The crackdown extended beyond drugs. Under the Delhi Excise Act, 269 cases were filed, seizing 337 liquor bottles, 33,310 quarters of illicit liquor, 115 beer bottles, and 278 beer cans, with 1,507 individuals booked for public drinking. In Arms Act violations, 117 arrests were made in 115 cases, recovering two pistols, 16 country-made firearms, 23 live cartridges, and 95 knives.

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Illegal gambling saw 358 arrests in 192 cases, with nearly Rs 4 lakh in cash confiscated. Additionally, 26 proclaimed offenders and 24 auto-lifters were apprehended, alongside the recovery of 50 stolen two-wheelers. The Crime Branch dismantled an illicit cigarette racket, raiding a shop near Fatehpuri Masjid to seize 1.1 lakh cigarette sticks (valued at Rs 25 lakh) and arresting Sahid (53) and Mohammad Shahnawaz Ansari (37) from Dariyaganj. Another raid in Rohini's DC Chowk Market yielded 10,000 cigarettes, leading to the arrest of Anoop Chaurasiya (32).

Preventive measures detained 20,854 people under the Delhi Police Act and placed 6,321 in custody. Srivastva emphasized the zero-tolerance policy's role in dismantling drug cartels and safeguarding youth, noting that from January to September 15, 2025, police had arrested 2,163 narco-offenders in 1,674 NDPS cases, seizing nearly 56 kg of heroin, 4,560 kg of ganja, 262 kg of opium, and other contraband. Operation Kavach 10.0 exemplifies Delhi Police's dual focus on enforcement and awareness, ensuring a safer festive period.

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