Police arrest 72 criminals in Northwest district during 48-hour crackdown

Delhi Police arrested 72 people and made large seizures of drugs, illicit liquor, illegal weapons and gambling cash during an intensive 48-hour crackdown in the Northwest district on Monday. The action was carried out between January 9 and January 11 through enhanced patrolling and targeted surprise raids across the district.

The police said the operation was aimed at disrupting organised crime networks and strengthening law and order at the local level. Those arrested include drug peddlers, bootleggers, arms offenders and gamblers, with seizures running into several lakhs in value. Additional Commissioner of Police (North-West District) Bhisham Singh said the sustained action reflects the district police’s zero-tolerance approach to crime. “Our focus is on proactive policing. These arrests and recoveries show our resolve to break criminal supply chains and ensure the safety of citizens,” he said.

According to police, eight drug peddlers and users were arrested with the recovery of 628 grams of ganja during the operation. Raids were conducted at multiple locations based on local intelligence and surveillance inputs. Police said the action has caused major disruption to drug distribution networks operating in the area.

In another major crackdown, 15 bootleggers were arrested and 345 litres of illicit liquor were seized. The liquor was allegedly being transported from neighbouring states and meant for illegal sale in the North-West district. Police teams intercepted consignments at different points and detained those involved in storage and distribution.

Action against illegal arms also formed a key part of the drive. Thirteen people were arrested for unlawful possession of weapons. Police recovered 11 knives, two country-made pistols and one live cartridge from their possession. Officers said such recoveries help prevent violent crimes and enhance public safety.

Illegal gambling rackets were also targeted during the 48-hour drive. Police conducted raids at several suspected gambling dens and arrested 36 gamblers. Cash amounting to Rs 1,11,660 and gambling paraphernalia were seized.