In light of a notable increase in narcotics-related offenses within the Capital, the Delhi Police has initiated the formation of a specialized Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) aimed at dismantling interstate drug trafficking networks, as reported by The Indian Express.
This initiative comes in response to a threefold rise in cases and seizures involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS) over the last five years. In 2021, the police recorded 566 cases, which escalated to 2,154 by 2025.
Senior officials indicate that the ANTF will prioritize intelligence-driven operations, monitor drug inflow from vulnerable borders, and target the major players responsible for the distribution of heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs. “This dedicated unit will strengthen our capability to intercept shipments and disrupt supply chains before they infiltrate the streets of Delhi,” a source stated.
The establishment of the ANTF is part of broader national efforts to combat drug trafficking, enhancing the Delhi Police’s existing expertise within the Special Cell while optimizing resources for more effective responses. It will also collaborate with the Narcotics Control Bureau and various state police departments for intelligence sharing and operational support, according to the source. The task force has already unveiled its logo and helpline number (1933), with plans to expand the team currently underway.
The ANTF was originally formed as a small unit in June 2022 by restructuring the Narcotics Cell under the Crime Branch. The oversight of the ANTF has been under the Special Commissioner of Police leading the Crime Branch.
As a specialized entity, the ANTF will now be directed by a Special Commissioner of Police, assisted by a Joint Commissioner, an Additional Commissioner, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, and two Assistant Commissioners. The unit will possess the authority to file FIRs at its designated Anti-Narcotics police station.
Initially, when the Crime Branch launched this unit in 2022, it comprised around 20 officers, including an Assistant Commissioner and several inspectors. The expanded unit is expected to include a larger team, incorporating multiple inspectors and sub-inspectors from the Crime Branch, Special Cell, and various districts known for their success in dismantling drug networks, as reported by sources.
The goal is to grow the unit to over 200 personnel, similar to the structure of the Economic Offences Wing, Special Cell, and Crime Branch, according to a source. The new ANTF will feature two sub-units led by Assistant Commissioners of Police—one focusing on operations and another on the Narcotics Coordination Portal to facilitate cooperation with other states and central agencies in the fight against drug trafficking.
A new facility has been designated for this specialized unit, equipped with comprehensive police station infrastructure, including holding cells, located at the Seventh Battalion campus in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi.
According to a senior officer, the Union Home Ministry has stressed the importance of dismantling drug syndicates nationwide.
In Delhi, while district-level teams manage routine activities, significant anti-drug operations have been spearheaded by the Crime Branch and Special Cell. Statistics indicate that last year, the Trans-Yamuna districts of Delhi had the highest number of drug seizures and arrests, with 234 cases reported in the East district, 214 in Shahdara, and 147 in Northeast Delhi. The Special Cell and Crime Branch registered 15 and 98 cases, respectively, in 2025. Delhi comprises 15 police districts, which have carried out several high-profile drug busts targeting interstate heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drug operations. Notably, the Special Cell uncovered a massive drug trafficking operation valued at ₹13,000 crore in 2024, marking one of the largest busts to date.
In connection with this operation, authorities seized 562 kg of cocaine in October 2024 from Mahipalpur in South Delhi. Additionally, 208 kg of cocaine was recovered from a shop in West Delhi’s Ramesh Nagar during the same month. A further seizure involved a joint operation by Special Cell officials and the Gujarat Police, yielding 518 kg of cocaine worth ₹5,000 crore at Aavkar Drugs in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. Over 20 individuals have been apprehended in relation to this case, while several key figures remain at large.
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