NEW DELHI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- In the run-up to the New Year celebrations, police in the Indian capital Delhi have arrested hundreds of people besides seizing weapons and drugs during an extensive crackdown to prevent criminal activities during the festive rush, officials said Saturday.

The police made the arrests during a special drive launched on Friday night focused on vulnerable areas across the city. The drive, according to police, is part of the police's sustained and focused efforts to curb and check organised crime in the city.

"Police have arrested over 280 accused under the Excise Act, Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and Gambling Act as part of the special drive to crack the whip on criminal activities," a police official said.

"During the operation, 504 persons were apprehended under preventive measures, and more than a hundred individuals of bad character were also taken into custody," the official said.

Reports said recoveries also included 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives. ■