The Commissioner of Delhi Police, Satish Golchha, has launched a comprehensive drive to make the national capital free from narcotics, placing special emphasis on JJ clusters that are considered highly vulnerable to drug trafficking and substance abuse.
At the first crime review meeting of 2026, held in January, Golchha identified the fight against drugs as one of the force’s central priorities for the year. He directed senior officers to prepare district-specific action plans aimed at eliminating both the supply of illegal substances and their consumption in high-risk localities.
Officials said the commissioner underlined that unchecked drug abuse was endangering the future of young people, particularly in informal settlements where traffickers often exploit social and economic vulnerabilities.
Strengthening Surveillance in High-Risk Areas
All deputy commissioners of police have been instructed to compile detailed profiles of active dealers and peddlers operating in JJ clusters. These profiles will include their criminal history and current legal status, whether arrested, out on bail, or evading law enforcement.
The exercise is intended to enable sustained monitoring of habitual offenders and prevent them from re-establishing operations after short-term crackdowns. Officers have also been told to maintain updated databases and intensify field-level intelligence gathering in these neighbourhoods.
Where permitted under law, the police are examining the use of internment proceedings and preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, to curb repeat involvement in drug-related offences.
Dismantling Organised Supply Networks
Senior officials have clarified that the campaign will not be limited to targeting street-level sellers. Instead, units have been directed to trace complete supply chains, from the point of origin to local distribution networks.
District teams will coordinate closely with specialised anti-narcotics units to strengthen surveillance in identified hotspots. Data analytics, technical inputs and informer networks are being expanded to track repeat offenders and interstate suppliers who operate across multiple jurisdictions.
The objective, officers said, is to weaken the financial and logistical foundations of organised drug trafficking rather than merely disrupt individual transactions.
Preventive Outreach and Public Engagement
Alongside enforcement, the commissioner has emphasised sustained community outreach as a core pillar of the strategy. Districts have been asked to conduct awareness programmes in JJ clusters, schools and community centres to educate adolescents and young adults about the long-term consequences of substance abuse.
Police teams will work with local leaders and civil society groups to encourage community participation and improve information-sharing. Senior officers believe that long-term success depends on building public trust and addressing the social conditions that allow addiction to spread.
Periodic performance reviews will be conducted to assess progress and ensure accountability at the district level.
Past Performance and Renewed Resolve
Speaking on the force’s 79th Raising Day on February 16, Golchha highlighted recent enforcement outcomes. In 2025, the Delhi Police seized 6,144 kilograms of narcotic substances and attached 44 properties linked to drug trafficking. Of these, 29 properties were demolished following due legal procedures.
Officials said these figures demonstrate the force’s growing determination to confront organised drug networks. With tighter monitoring, coordinated operations and community involvement, police leadership is confident that the renewed campaign can significantly reduce the grip of narcotics on the capital.
