"Drug gangs will not be allowed to operate in Keralam": Ramesh Chennithala vows crackdown on narcotics through Operation Toofan
Thiruvananthapuram, June 30
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday reiterated the state government's commitment to eradicating the drug menace through "Operation Toofan", asserting that narcotics gangs would not be allowed to operate in the state and dismissing attempts to link the anti-drug drive with a meeting allegedly attended by accused persons in criminal cases.
Speaking to ANI here, Chennithala said the police were carrying out an intensive crackdown against the narcotics network across Keralam.
"This is a total fight against the narcotics gangs operating in Keralam. We will not allow them to operate on the soil of Keralam. The Keralam Police are very determined. They are committed to ensuring that drugs have no place in Keralam society. That is why the government has launched a programme called Operation Toofan," he said.
Highlighting the progress of the campaign, the minister said the initiative had received public support and yielded significant results.
"They are appreciating the government's bold initiative. Crores of rupees worth of narcotic substances have been seized by the police. More than 5,000 people have been arrested, and 4,500 cases have been registered," Chennithala said.
Responding to allegations that several accused in criminal cases had attended a meeting organised by MP K Sudhakaran in Kochi in support of Operation Toofan, the Home Minister said he had no information about such a gathering and clarified that it had no connection with the government's anti-drug campaign.
"Do you really think the Home Department would convene such a meeting? I have no information about it. I don't know whose meeting it was, who called it, or who attended it. Meetings related to Operation Toofan are convened only by police officials... It should not be linked to Operation Toofan. No one can derail or weaken Operation Toofan. We will continue the operation with full strength," he said.
The remarks come days after the Keralam government intensified its anti-drug campaign on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Earlier, Chief Minister VD Satheeshan flagged off an anti-drug awareness rally in Thiruvananthapuram, while Excise and Cooperation Minister M Liju said the state had launched India's first portal for narcotics-related information and de-addiction registration.
According to police data, Keralam registered 36,314 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2025, up from 27,530 cases in 2024, reflecting the state's continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some strong action! As a Malayali mother of two teenagers, I'm really worried about drug peddlers targeting our youth near colleges and beaches. The police should also focus on coastal areas and tourist spots. Operation Toofan must reach every panchayat. Appreciate the portal for de-addiction too 👍
Chennithala should also look at why cases are increasing despite more arrests. Maybe the drug mafia is getting bolder because of corruption in the system? We've heard stories of some politicians having links with these gangs. Hope the investigation goes all the way up, not just targets small-time peddlers.
While I support the crackdown, I think we also need strong social awareness programs. Arresting 5,000 people is good, but many young addicts need medical help, not jail. The government should open more de-addiction centers in every district. Also, schools need better drug education - prevention is better than cure.
Operation Toofan is needed but it should be done professionally, not like a political show. The Home Minister should clarify the MP meeting link allegations properly rather than just saying "I don't know". Transparency builds trust. Also, why are cases increasing? Are the punishment deterrents strong enough? Need harsher sentences for big smugglers.
As someone from Kannur, the drug problem is really bad in North Kerala too. Happy to see the government finally taking it seriously. But 4,500 cases and 5,000 arrests? That's just
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