Kerala Launches Second Leg of Anti-Drug Campaign Operation Toofan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday launched the second phase of the UDF government’s statewide anti-drug initiative, Operation Toofan, in Malappuram. He inaugurated the Toofan Janajagratha Samithi (Public Awareness Committee) in Vengara to encourage public involvement in making Kerala drug-free. Chennithala noted that the first phase of Operation Toofan had successfully reduced drug use in the state by 20 to 30 percent since its launch a few months ago.

In the first phase of Operation Toofan, 10,918 cases were filed and 11,776 people were arrested in the state by September 18. Authorities seized 23.925 kg of MDMA and 1,475 kg of cannabis. A recent bust in Coimbatore uncovered 13 kg of MDMA worth about Rs 10 crore, marking the state’s largest drug haul to date. The second phase focuses on boosting community involvement at the local self-government level to curb the spread and use of drugs, rolling out campaigns like Toofan Strike, Toofan Care, Toofan App, Toofan ICE, Toofan Play, and Toofan Drug Free Campus Accreditation.

Special Toofan Garma Sabhas will be held in all wards to encourage community participation. As part of the program, locals volunteering as Thunder Volunteers and Toofan Warriors will be identified to strengthen anti-drug efforts on the ground. Recently, the state set up a new Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team to support Operation Toofaan, tasked with handling major drug cases involving interstate and international links. The team works through three dedicated units based in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.