New Delhi, Dec 27: More than 660 people were arrested in a massive overnight crackdown across south and southeast Delhi as police intensified security ahead of New Year celebrations, officials said on Saturday.

The operation, dubbed Operation Aaghat 3.0, was carried out jointly by police teams from the South and South East districts over a 24-hour period. The drive focused on preventing crime during the festive season and targeting habitual offenders, organised crime networks and street-level criminal activity.

Police said South East Delhi alone accounted for 285 arrests. Overall, more than 2,800 people were questioned, while about 850 individuals were detained as a preventive measure. Around 155 “bad characters,” or repeat offenders, and 10 property offenders were among those taken into custody.

Police sources described the operation as successful, saying the focus was on drug peddlers, bootleggers, gamblers and habitual criminals to ensure peaceful celebrations.

During the crackdown, police registered 66 cases under the Arms Act and arrested 66 people. Seizures included 24 country-made pistols and 44 knives. Authorities also confiscated over 22,500 quarters of illicit liquor and arrested more than 60 people in Excise Act cases. Ten people were arrested in connection with the seizure of 10 kg of ganja under the NDPS Act.

More than 350 people were arrested for consuming alcohol in public places. Police also registered at least 30 cases under anti-gambling laws, arresting 68 gamblers and recovering about Rs 2.3 lakh in cash.

As part of efforts to curb vehicle theft, five alleged auto-lifters were arrested. Police seized 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler. Around 350 stolen or lost mobile phones were also recovered and will be returned to their owners, officials said.

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Police said similar preventive measures will continue in the coming days to maintain law and order during the New Year period.