Delhi plagued by 64 drug hot spots, says task force

Jama Masjid, Chhatarpur, Nizamuddin and Majnu Ka Tila have emerged as some of the "hot spots" for the peddling of narcotic substances, according to an internal survey carried out by the anti-narcotics task force (ANTF) of the Delhi Police in March, senior officers who were part of the analysis said on Sunday, adding that they have identified 64 such hot spots across the Capital.

- Karn Pratap Singh

NEW DELHI: The 64 hot spots were identified based on on-the-ground information collected by ANTF officials, and the recent trends in seizure of contraband and the arrest of people involved in the supply and sale of drugs. The survey has revealed that heroin and cannabis are the most common narcotics that are peddled in and around the Capital, said assistant commisioner of police (ANTF) Anil Sharma.

In May 2021, a similar survey by the anti-narcotics wing of the crime branch, which was then called the narcotics cell, had led to the identification of 15 hot spots for drug peddling, based on the trend of seizures of the contraband as well as arrests.

Two years on, the number has gone up to 64, with three spots Paharganj, Hauz Khas Village and Khanpur-dropping out of the list, but the remaining 12 places being joined by another 52, said one ANTF officer.

The DU north campus, which is one of spots on the new list, sees narcotic substances being supplied by peddlers in Delhi and having roots in other states, including Meghalaya, the officer said. The buyers are mostly students living around the campus, with heroin and cannabis the most common drugs in demand in this area, the officer said.