The Impressive TimesNEW DELHI, 28 JUNE: The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed globally on 26th June every year to strengthen action and cooperation towards achieving a world free of drug abuse.
Culminating “Nasha Mukt Bharat Pakhwada-2026,” a grand cultural and public awareness programme was organized in Delhi in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Union Home Secretary, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, the Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), other senior police officers, distinguished dignitaries, and members of the media.
The event featured a vibrant performance by the Delhi Police Band, an engaging pantomime show, and a live musical performance by renowned singer Mika Singh, which was one of the major highlights of the program.
Delhi Police’s Strategy Against Narcotic Drugs
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Lieutenant Governor Sh. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and under the leadership of Delhi Police Commissioner Sh. Satish Golchha, the Delhi Police is pursuing a policy of zero tolerance and a war against drugs, and remains firmly committed to eradicating the menace of narcotic drugs from society.
Through initiatives such as Operation “Kavach,” Delhi Police has taken decisive and sustained action against drug trafficking networks. It has adopted a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the narcotics trade by ensuring the daily seizure of illicit drugs and the arrest of drug traffickers. In addition, stringent action is being taken under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, along with financial investigations aimed at identifying and attaching the assets of drug traffickers, thereby weakening their financial networks and disrupting the economic foundations of the illegal drug trade.
Alongside robust enforcement measures, Delhi Police is also conducting extensive public awareness and community outreach programmes to educate citizens about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to encourage public participation in building a drug-free Delhi.
Major Achievements of Delhi Police in tackling drug menace (2025–26):
During the year 2025, Delhi Police registered 2,154 cases under the NDPS Act and arrested 2,853 drug traffickers.
During the year 2026 (up to 15 June), 1,418 NDPS cases have been registered and 1,812 drug traffickers have been arrested.
Under the PITNDPS Act, properties worth ₹14.99 crore have been attached.
So far, 39 detention orders have been issued under the PITNDPS Act, while 48 detention proposals are currently under process.
Operation “Kavach”
In May 2023, Delhi Police launched “Operation Kavach”, a special enforcement drive aimed at combating drug trafficking and dismantling narcotics distribution networks across the National Capital. The operation focuses on identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, ranging from street-level peddlers to high-level traffickers.
Since its inception, 14 major operations have been conducted under this initiative. The latest operation, carried out over 22–24 June 2026, was a 48-hour coordinated enforcement drive involving 1474 police teams. Simultaneous raids were conducted at 4,035 locations across all 15 police districts of Delhi.
The operation resulted in the registration of 212 cases under the NDPS Act and the arrest of 255 drug traffickers. In addition to the seizure of a substantial quantity of narcotic drugs, Delhi Police also registered 315 cases under the Arms Act, arrested 329 persons, and recovered a significant number of illegal firearms. Further, 398 cases under the Excise Act were registered, leading to the arrest of 405 persons and the seizure of a large quantity of illicit liquor.
The success of Operation “Kavach” reflects Delhi Police’s unwavering commitment to adopting a multi-pronged strategy against organized crime, narcotics trafficking, illegal arms, and illicit liquor, while ensuring a safer and drug-free Delhi.
Impact at the Ground Level
The primary objective of this campaign has been to carry out targeted action against drug traffickers and disrupt the narcotics supply chain. The sustained enforcement drive has created a strong deterrent effect among those involved in the illegal drug trade, leading to a noticeable reduction in the supply of narcotic drugs.
The intensified crackdown has compelled major drug traffickers to go underground to evade law enforcement action, and many are now avoiding the transportation of commercial quantities of narcotic drugs into Delhi due to the heightened risk of detection and arrest.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The “Nasha Mukt Bharat Pakhwada” was inaugurated with a grand launch event at Red Fort, Old Delhi, on 12th June 2026.
A series of public awareness programmes, including painting exhibitions, street plays (Nukkad Nataks), awareness video vans, pantomime shows, and outreach campaigns in schools and colleges, were organized at various locations across Delhi.
A special capacity-building workshop was conducted for investigation officers dealing with cases registered under NDPS Act wherein experts e.g. senior public prosecutors, investigators, etc.
With the active support of the district police, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) carried out an extensive public outreach campaign across residential neighbourhoods, schools, markets, and other public places, creating widespread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraging young people to actively contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Message from the Hon’ble Union Home Secretary
The Hon’ble Union Home Secretary, Sh Govind Mohan, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, lauded the efforts of Delhi Police in making the National Capital safer and free from the menace of drugs.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Union Home Secretary commended Delhi Police for its sustained anti-drug campaign and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving a Drug-Free Delhi by 2027 in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji.
He emphasized that “fight against drugs can be won with love and empathy for the younger generatioin and that every parent can play a vital role in this,” and that the fight against narcotics requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
Appreciating Delhi Police’s comprehensive enforcement and awareness initiatives, he urged citizens to use the MANAS Portal and reminded the youth: “Choose sports over substances. Choose purpose over peer pressure. Choose life over addiction”.
Delhi Police Reaffirms Its Commitment
The primary objective of the programmes organized by Delhi Police is to create widespread awareness among the general public, particularly the youth, about the dangers and harmful consequences of drug abuse, and to inspire them to stay away from narcotic substances and lead healthy, responsible, and meaningful lives.
Delhi Police calls upon young people, who are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse, to understand the reality of narcotic drugs and make informed choices. Many individuals who resort to illicit drugs are either misinformed or insufficiently aware of the serious health, social, and legal consequences associated with drug abuse.
Drug addiction is steadily emerging as one of the most pressing challenges facing our society, making it imperative for all stakeholders to work together to curb this menace. The fight against drugs is not merely a law enforcement initiative—it is a people’s movement that requires the active participation of every citizen. Together, we can build a drug-free, healthy, and secure society.
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