New Delhi, November 10, 2025: In a sweeping operation targeting drug trafficking and illegal residency, the Delhi Police apprehended 260 individuals from various African nations across the national capital, officials said on Monday. The operation, named “Operation Clean Sweep,” was launched on Sunday in multiple districts including Dwarka, West, and Outer Delhi.

Objectives and Background of the Operation

The Delhi Police clarified that the action was part of a larger, ongoing effort to tackle the dual challenges of narcotics distribution and undocumented foreign residents. Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP) Jatin Narwal explained:

“The operation was part of the ongoing campaign to root out the drug menace and take action against overstaying or undocumented foreign nationals.”

The crackdown was prompted by numerous complaints regarding foreign nationals staying in Delhi without valid documents, as well as landlords renting properties to them without proper verification. This operation aimed to enforce both immigration laws and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Scale and Execution

The police described the operation as large-scale and meticulously coordinated, involving multiple districts and dozens of teams. According to JCP Narwal:

“A massive beat-wise operation was conducted in all police station areas of the Western Range. Extra officers and staff from other police stations and district reserves participated in this exercise.”

The operation was carried out simultaneously across various localities, including Dwarka, Bindapur, Dabri, Uttam Nagar, Mohan Garden, Tilak Nagar, Nihal Vihar, and adjoining areas.

District-Wise Detentions

The largest number of detentions occurred in Dwarka district, where 210 people, including women and children, were apprehended. They were allegedly staying without valid documents and were found in possession of narcotic substances.

The West district police detained 45 individuals, while Outer district police apprehended another 21 persons. The detainees were subjected to verification processes to ascertain the validity of their visas and other travel documents.

JCP Narwal noted that during verification, several individuals were found with expired or invalid visas. He also highlighted that some detainees were found in possession of drugs, including a few Indian nationals.

Targeting Landlords

The operation did not only focus on foreign nationals. Police also identified more than 25 landlords who had allegedly rented their properties to undocumented foreigners without adhering to legal protocols. Cases are being registered against these landlords under relevant sections of the law.

Legal Action

So far, authorities have registered 26 cases under the NDPS Act and 14 cases under the Foreigners Act. Verification of documents and registration of additional cases is still underway.

Operational Leadership

The crackdown was led by the district police chiefs: DCP Dwarka Ankit Singh, DCP West Darade Sharad Bhaskar, and DCP Outer Sachin Sharma. A total of 30 teams were deployed, comprising four ACPs, 20 inspectors, and approximately 600 police personnel.

During the exercise, tensions arose among some of the apprehended individuals, leading to preventive action against 49 people, all reportedly from African nations.

Demographics of Those Detained

Preliminary data released by Delhi Police indicated that of the 260 people detained, there were 210 men, 68 women, nine juveniles, and six Indian nationals. A significant portion of the detainees were from Nigeria, while others hailed from Ivory Coast, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Periodic Operations Planned

The Delhi Police emphasized that operations like these would continue periodically, ensuring that all foreign nationals who are illegally overstaying in the city are identified and deported. JCP Narwal stated:

“This exercise is part of our ongoing commitment to enforce laws against illegal stay and to curb the drug menace. Similar actions will be conducted regularly to maintain law and order in the city.”

Public Safety and Enforcement

Officials noted that the operation was conducted carefully to ensure the safety of the public while targeting both criminal elements and immigration violations. Police personnel worked across districts to conduct door-to-door checks, verification of documents, and scrutiny of rental properties.

Context of the Operation

Delhi, as the national capital, has often been a hub for foreign nationals, both legal and undocumented. Coupled with the rising concerns about drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies have prioritized operations against illicit substances and illegal residents. This latest crackdown, dubbed Operation Clean Sweep, demonstrates the city police’s commitment to tackling multiple law and order challenges simultaneously.

The exercise also highlighted the importance of cooperation among district police units, specialized teams, and senior officials, ensuring a coordinated approach to both drug enforcement and immigration checks.