Delhi Police have arrested 254 foreign nationals in drug trafficking cases since 2024, seizing narcotics valued over ₹40.53 crore, as reported by the government in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The continuous rise in drug-related activities has prompted the government to reinforce its security protocols and take stringent actions against violators.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, revealed that these arrests involved foreign nationals from various regions, predominantly of Nigerian origin, apprehended in areas including Khanpur Extension, Deoli, Sangam Vihar, Mehrauli, Hauz Rani, and Uttam Nagar within the National Capital Region.
Yearly statistics posted show a total of 40 arrests in 2024, followed by 35 in 2025, and 15 in the first half of 2026. These numbers highlight a troubling trend in narcotic drug trafficking, compelling authorities to enhance their monitoring and enforcement strategies.
From heroin to methamphetamine, the seizures encompass a variety of dangerous drugs. The estimated haul includes ₹12.75 crore worth of narcotics in 2024, ₹14.27 crore in 2025, and ₹13.50 crore over the first six months of this year.
In addition to the arrests, the authorities identified 103 foreign nationals living in rented houses without mandatory tenant verification, which poses security risks. Consequently, action has been taken against 63 landlords as the police intensify tenant verification processes to comply with safety regulations.
Highlighting its “Zero Tolerance” policy against drug trafficking, Minister Rai informed that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has initiated a technology-driven approach aimed at dismantling drug networks operating through encrypted communications and dark web platforms.
To strengthen this initiative, the NCB is collaborating with cyber experts to delve into darknet-enabled drug trafficking and cryptocurrency transactions.
The government’s Vision Document on Narcotics Control sets a comprehensive strategy, outlining the establishment of dedicated Darknet and Cryptocurrency Cells within all Anti-Narcotics Task Forces. This plan aims to leverage AI analytics and foster inter-agency coordination to tackle organized drug trafficking.
The NCB has also developed specialized training programs, alongside partnerships with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Rashtriya Raksha University, focusing on cyber-enabled narcotics investigations.
This vision document lays out a three-year roadmap with explicit targets governed by a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” approach to combat drug trafficking comprehensively. Key actions include enhancing financial investigations, expanding the Narco-Coordination Centre mechanism, bolstering international cooperation, and operating the 24×7 MANAS national narcotics helpline.
The initiative also aims to promote a Mission Drug Free Campus in educational institutions, allowing for a community-wide approach to fighting drug abuse and trafficking.
