Delhi Police target drug-free capital by 2027, 'meaningful efforts' underway

The Delhi Police’s Special Crime Branch is ramping up efforts to eliminate drug abuse in the capital by 2027, a vision set by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Special Commissioner Devesh Chandra Srivastava stressed that tackling narcotics requires a united front, involving the public, education and health departments and law enforcement, ANI reported.

"The fight against drug abuse is not that of the police alone. We need the cooperation of the public as well as all departments like education, health and drug control," ANI cited Srivastava telling reporters on Sunday at an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. He confirmed that "meaningful efforts" are underway, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta pledging full government support.

The campaign follows recent enforcement wins, including the bust of a drug syndicate near Delhi University’s North Campus. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested five individuals last month, seizing 2,360 Tramadol capsules and 135 bottles of codeine syrup - banned without prescription - worth over Rs 1 lakh.

DCP Apoorva Gupta of ANTF stated the operation aligns with India’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). Among those held was Manish Bhatle (26), caught with illegal drugs near Shri Ram Institute, University Road. A drug inspector confirmed the substances violated the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, ANI reported.