The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has razed at least 29 of 168 illegal properties belonging to alleged drug traffickers in the national capital over the past two years, in a joint operation with the Delhi Police. The action followed a report by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, which identified structures violating building bylaws after on-site inspections. Officials describe this as a strategy to dismantle the backbone of drug syndicates operating in the city.
Delhi's campaign against drug trafficking has intensified. According to information obtained by The Indian Express, the Delhi Police compiled a list of 168 illegal structures belonging to alleged drug traffickers and syndicate leaders. Of these, 29 have been demolished by the MCD.
A senior police officer stated that the report was prepared after spot visits to these properties, which allegedly violated building bylaws. Most of these buildings are located in Northeast Delhi, Outer Delhi, North Delhi, and West Delhi.
The officer explained, “This is a strategy of the Delhi Police to control and break the backbone of the syndicates running the drug business. The action is being taken in coordination with the civic body.” The police shared the list of 168 structures with the MCD and requested action against the accused.
Official data shows that the Delhi Police has seized properties worth around Rs 29 crore belonging to alleged drug traffickers in the last two years. The senior officer noted, “Though seizing properties is a routine process, the demolition of these properties is a major blow to the syndicate members.”
On Friday, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) froze assets worth over Rs 68 lakh in two major narcotics cases. In one case, three alleged drug traffickers were arrested with 320 grams of heroin, and assets worth Rs 7.6 lakh—including vehicles and bank funds—purchased from drug proceeds were seized, police said.
In the second case, six alleged drug traffickers were arrested with large quantities of psychotropic medicines. Properties worth Rs 60.69 lakh, including shops, a motorcycle, and cash, belonging to them were frozen, police added.
Another officer mentioned that while suspected drug traffickers are booked and their properties seized under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MACOCA), many cases falter during trial due to lack of evidence. “Due to this reason, a decision was taken to demolish their illegal structures after consulting civic officials,” the officer added.
“Targeting the economic backbone of the narcotic syndicate is crucial to curbing drug trafficking. By freezing properties acquired through illicit means, Delhi Police aims to make the Capital a drug-free city,” the officer further said. The MCD did not respond to queries on the matter.