In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies in Delhi arrested 254 foreign nationals between 2024 and June 30, 2026. The government revealed that these arrests involved narcotics valued at over ₹40.53 crore, as reported in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
According to Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Delhi Police apprehended not only Nigerian nationals but also individuals from various backgrounds in locations such as Khanpur Extension, Deoli, Sangam Vihar, Mehrauli, Hauz Rani, and Uttam Nagar in west Delhi.
The statistics further broke down yearly arrests: 40 foreign nationals in 2024, 35 in 2025, and 15 in the first half of 2026. This data underscores a growing concern regarding drug trafficking activities in the National Capital Region.
Narcotics confiscated during these operations included heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ganja, and charas. The estimated value of these seizures amounted to ₹12.75 crore in 2024, ₹14.27 crore in 2025, and ₹13.50 crore in the first half of 2026.
In addition, the government reported that 103 foreign nationals were found living in rented accommodations without the mandatory tenant verification process. Consequently, actions were taken against 63 landlords who did not comply with regulations.
Rai stressed the importance of tenant verification, which the Delhi Police ensures to maintain law and order. He emphasized efforts to combat illegal residency among foreign nationals, regarding it as vital for public security.
As part of the government’s initiative against drug trafficking, the narcotics authorities have adopted a “Zero Tolerance” policy. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) implements an intelligence-led approach to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating online, utilizing encrypted communication applications and the darknet.
The minister highlighted the engagement of cyber experts to tackle darknet-enabled drug trafficking and cryptocurrency-based transactions. As part of the strategy, a Vision Document on Narcotics Control outlines the creation of dedicated Darknet and Cryptocurrency Cells within Anti-Narcotics Task Forces.
This approach incorporates AI-enabled analytics and enhances inter-agency coordination to disrupt organized drug trafficking networks effectively.
The NCB has also organized specialized training programs in conjunction with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Rashtriya Raksha University, focusing on cyber-enabled narcotics investigations and digital forensics. This training aims to equip law enforcement with the skills necessary for investigations related to drug trafficking.
The three-year roadmap set out in the vision document embraces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to handling drug trafficking and abuse. Key aspects include strengthening financial investigations, enhancing international cooperation, and improving operational strategies through initiatives like the 24×7 MANAS national narcotics helpline.
Furthermore, the government promotes the Mission Drug Free Campus scheme within educational institutions, emphasizing prevention and awareness against drug abuse among youth.
