Thiruvananthapuram: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated on Friday that the state government will persist with its crackdown on drug trafficking networks across Kerala, with a heightened focus on identifying the sources of narcotics and dismantling supply chains that target students and young people. He emphasized that law enforcement agencies are conducting rigorous scrutiny of suspected drug traffickers and intermediaries.
Operation Toofan Intensified
Chennithala revealed that enforcement measures are being carried out in all districts under Operation Toofan, a statewide anti-drug campaign spearheaded by Inspector General P Vimaladitya, who has been appointed as its special officer. He warned that international drug syndicates are attempting to build their trade around students and youth. The operation has already led to the arrest of two members of international drug networks, and narcotics worth approximately Rs 60 lakh have been seized.
A Nigerian national named Samuel was arrested from Delhi in connection with a drug case involving a 16-member network. In another case registered in Pathanamthitta, a foreign national identified as Elsina was arrested from Bengaluru.
Public Participation Encouraged
To strengthen public participation in anti-drug operations, the government has launched a dedicated intelligence-sharing mechanism called 'Toofan Vigilance'. Chennithala urged citizens to share information about drug-related activities with the police. Information can be provided through helpline numbers 9497979794 and 9497927797, as well as via WhatsApp at 9995966666.
He stated, "Public awareness and strong action against traffickers will go hand in hand. People should share the information they have. Even if there are lapses on the part of the police, those can be reported."
Call for NDPS Act Amendments
The minister also called for amendments to provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act related to possession limits, arguing that existing legal provisions require reconsideration.
Operation Statistics and Specialized Teams
According to official figures, police have filed 728 cases under Operation Toofan and arrested 795 persons. Seizures include 625 grams of MDMA, 48 kilograms of ganja, 130 grams of hashish oil, and 480 ganja beedis. To identify drug sources and distribution networks, the government has constituted four specialized teams of 16 members each across all 84 police divisions in Kerala.
Police Reforms
On police reforms, Chennithala said the government will move ahead with proposed changes to the station house officer (SHO) system after examining the recommendations of a committee constituted for the purpose. He noted that feedback from the public and policemen indicates that the introduction of the SHO system has adversely affected the morale of sub-inspectors.
He added, "The fact that this system was introduced by the previous government does not mean this government will automatically discard it. But many officers have said that the earlier arrangement was effective. Necessary changes will be implemented in a time-bound manner."
