Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has announced the launch of ‘Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt’, a statewide anti-drug campaign aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks across the state. The initiative formally comes into effect this month and is being positioned as one of the new government’s flagship law-and-order drives.
Announcing the operation after a high-level meeting with senior police officials, Chennithala said the campaign would focus on identifying and destroying the entire drug supply chain, from peddlers and distributors to interstate trafficking networks. The Home Minister described drug abuse as one of Kerala’s most serious social challenges, particularly among young people and students.
Police Surveillance Around Schools, Colleges
A key focus of the operation will be educational institutions and areas frequented by youngsters. The drive has been timed to coincide with the reopening of schools after the summer vacation. Authorities have indicated that police surveillance will be intensified around schools and colleges, while strict action will be taken against those involved in the sale of narcotics and tobacco products near campuses.
According to the government’s plan, drug users, peddlers, suppliers and organised distribution networks will all come under close police monitoring. Kerala Police will also coordinate with law-enforcement agencies in other states to break interstate drug syndicates that supply narcotics into Kerala. Special attention will be paid to synthetic drugs, hybrid ganja and online drug trafficking networks that increasingly use social media and digital platforms to operate.
The operation comes amid growing concern over rising drug-related cases in the state. In recent years, Kerala Police has carried out multiple anti-narcotics drives, including large-scale crackdowns under “Operation D-Hunt”, resulting in thousands of arrests and drug seizures.
Authorities argue that a more coordinated and sustained effort is now required to target the kingpins and supply chains behind the trade.
Beyond the anti-drug campaign, Chennithala has also announced broader policing reforms, including plans to make all 484 police stations in Kerala more citizen-friendly and responsive.