Operation Toofan Marks One Month with Major Arrests
Kerala Police's flagship anti-narcotics drive, 'Operation Toofan', has completed one month, resulting in the arrest of 5,736 individuals for possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS). This operation is the largest anti-drug crackdown in the state's history.
Scale of the Crackdown
According to official police data, the arrests were made across all 14 districts of Kerala between June 2 and July 2, 2026. The operation targeted both street-level dealers and higher-level suppliers. Police have seized large quantities of drugs including cannabis, MDMA, heroin, and synthetic drugs.
In a statement, a senior police official said, "Narcotics is a dirty business that destroys lives and families. Operation Toofan is our commitment to eradicating this menace from Kerala."
Public Support and Political Involvement
The operation has garnered widespread public support. On July 1, 2026, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithalia tweeted about a mass rally called 'Jagaran' to be held in Perumbavoor on July 3, urging citizens to stand together for a drug-free Kerala. The rally is part of a larger movement to raise awareness against drug abuse.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also praised the police efforts, stating that the government is fully backing the operation to ensure a drug-free society.
Impact and Future Plans
The crackdown has led to a significant decrease in drug-related crimes in many areas. Police are now focusing on rehabilitation of addicts and disrupting supply chains. The operation is expected to continue indefinitely, with periodic reviews to assess its effectiveness.
Kerala Police have also set up a special task force to monitor online drug trafficking and coordinate with other state agencies. The success of Operation Toofan is being studied by other states as a model for anti-drug enforcement.
