In a significant enforcement initiative, Delhi Police arrested 254 foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking in the National Capital Region (NCR) from 2024 until June 30, 2026. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of narcotics valued at over ₹40.53 crore, according to a detailed report presented to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, revealed these figures in a written reply. He emphasized the government’s commitment to combat drug trafficking while underlining adherence to mandatory verification protocols for tenants. The police identified and acted against 103 foreign nationals residing in rented accommodations without the necessary tenant verification, leading to action against 63 landlords.
Rai stated that the arrests took place in several regions across the NCR, including Khanpur Extension, Deoli, Sangam Vihar, Mehrauli, and Uttam Nagar. Yearly arrest statistics reflect a growing urgency in the crackdown: 40 foreign nationals faced prosecution in 2024, followed by 35 in 2025, and an additional 15 apprehended in the first half of 2026.
The operation yielded an array of narcotics, including heroin, cocaine, and MDMA, with estimated values broken down as ₹12.75 crore in 2024, ₹14.27 crore in 2025, and ₹13.50 crore during the first half of 2026.
Highlighting the government’s Zero Tolerance policy against drug traffickers, Rai noted that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) adopted an intelligence-led and technology-driven framework to dismantle drug networks operating through the darknet. Cyber experts are now actively involved in unraveling darknet-enabled drug trafficking and cryptocurrency transactions.
In his report, Rai outlined the Vision Document on Narcotics Control, targeting the establishment of dedicated Darknet and Cryptocurrency Cells within all Anti-Narcotics Task Forces. This ambitious plan will implement AI-enabled analytics, advanced technology, and improved inter-agency collaboration to disrupt organized cyber-enabled drug trafficking networks.
The NCB has proactively organized specialized training programs in partnership with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Rashtriya Raksha University. These programs focus on advanced techniques for navigating cyber-enabled narcotics investigations and exploring digital forensics.
The vision document proposes a three-year roadmap packed with time-bound targets under a collective approach, dubbed the *Whole-of-Government* and *Whole-of-Society* strategy, aimed at combating drug trafficking and usage. This strategic plan involves enhancing financial investigations, expanding the Narco-Coordination Centre’s capabilities, boosting international collaboration, and promoting initiatives like the 24×7 MANAS national narcotics helpline.
Furthermore, the government emphasizes the importance of promoting *Mission Drug Free Campus* in educational institutions, underlining the pivotal role of awareness and preventive measures among the youth in addressing the narcotic crisis.
With such comprehensive actions, the government seeks to fortify its battle against drug trafficking networks exploiting technological avenues while maintaining safety and security in the capital region.
