New Delhi, Sep.17,2025:Delhi Drug Trafficking Racket has once again been exposed as police launched a high-intensity operation to dismantle the growing drug network. In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police arrested five accused and seized heroin worth ₹12 crore, dealing a severe blow to the smuggling chain that was trying to target the national capital’s streets-
This operation is being hailed as one of the largest anti-narcotics actions in recent months and reflects the authorities’ determination to curb the drug menace spreading across northern India.
₹12 Crore Heroin Seized in Delhi
According to senior police officials, 3.1 kilograms of heroin were confiscated during the raid. The seized heroin’s international market value is estimated at nearly ₹12 crore. Authorities revealed that the arrested accused were planning to circulate these narcotics across Delhi’s local markets through smaller peddlers and underground networks.
Police sources added that the crackdown is part of a sustained campaign to dismantle the Delhi Drug Trafficking Racket, which has been flourishing due to organized smuggling operations with cross-border links.
Smugglers Caught With ₹2.55 Crore Smack
While Delhi Police made headlines with their seizure, Shamli district police in Uttar Pradesh also busted a parallel smuggling chain. Acting on a tip-off, a special team led by SHO S.P. Atri intercepted a car in Kairana. Upon inspection, the police recovered 2.55 kilograms of smack valued at ₹2.55 crore in the illegal market.
The accused, identified as Usman and Insar, were arrested on the spot. Shamli Superintendent of Police N.P. Singh confirmed that the smugglers were part of a larger syndicate supplying drugs from Bareilly to western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
Who Are the Arrested Accused
- Delhi Case: 5 smugglers apprehended with 3.1 kg heroin.
- Shamli Case: Usman and Insar arrested with 2.55 kg smack.
Preliminary investigations suggest that both groups were operating under well-connected drug cartels, using disguised vehicles and secret routes to supply narcotics across northern India.
The Growing Drug Menace in Delhi & UP
The Delhi Drug Trafficking Racket highlights the deep-rooted issue of drug abuse in India. The national capital region, due to its high demand and easy connectivity, has become a hub for drug suppliers. Uttar Pradesh, with its porous routes and vast rural stretches, acts as a key corridor for smuggling.
A 2021 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) showed a sharp rise in NDPS-related cases across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Experts warn that if unchecked, this could fuel addiction among youth, increase crime rates, and damage social stability.
Legal Framework Against Drug Trafficking
The arrests were made under sections 8 and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This law provides strict penalties, including rigorous imprisonment up to 20 years for large-scale smuggling.
By booking the accused under NDPS, police ensured that the case would be treated as a serious non-bailable offense, making it difficult for smugglers to escape through legal loopholes.
Police Strategy to Break the Network
Delhi and Shamli police have intensified their intelligence network by:
- Setting up checkpoints at state borders.
- Using informers and tip-offs to crack hidden routes.
- Deploying narcotics detection units at key transport hubs.
- Collaborating with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for joint operations.
Officials said that more raids are expected in coming weeks, targeting both suppliers and buyers.
Impact on Society and Youth
The Delhi Drug Trafficking Racket is not just about financial crime but also a social evil. Easy availability of narcotics has already destroyed countless lives, particularly among the youth. Addiction often leads to mental health issues, petty crimes, and violence.
Parents and communities are urging for more awareness campaigns, rehabilitation centres, and stricter policing to prevent the younger generation from falling prey to this dangerous trap.
Expert Opinions on Drug Control
- Social Activists argue that curbing supply is not enough; the government must focus on demand reduction through awareness and education.
- Police Officials emphasize the need for cross-border cooperation, especially with states like Punjab and Haryana.
- Legal Experts call for fast-track courts to deal with NDPS cases, ensuring swift justice.
A Wake-Up Call for India
The busting of the Delhi Drug Trafficking Racket and the simultaneous Shamli crackdown is a wake-up call for India’s law enforcement agencies. While the seizures of heroin and smack worth over ₹14.5 crore are commendable, they also reveal the depth and scale of the smuggling network operating in the region.