Kerala Minister Warns of Crackdown on Drug Supply Through Food Delivery Networks

Alappuzha: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday warned online food delivery workers and ambulance drivers against involvement in drug trafficking, saying strict action would be taken against those found guilty. Speaking to reporters here, Chennithala said the police had received complaints that some ambulance drivers and online food delivery workers were allegedly being used to supply narcotic substances.

"We have received complaints that some ambulances are being used to transport drugs," he said.

The minister also cautioned online food delivery workers against participating in drug distribution networks.

"There are complaints that drugs are being delivered through food delivery workers, as they are often not subjected to checks. I urge those involved in such activities to stop immediately so that we do not have to proceed against them under the law," he said.

Chennithala said police would closely monitor those engaged in such services and that stringent action would be taken if any illegal activity was detected.

Referring to the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, he said awareness campaigns and related programmes would be conducted in schools across the state.

The minister said that under the anti-narcotics drive Operation Toofan, drugs worth more than Rs 15 crore had been seized and over 3,000 people arrested so far.

He directed police personnel not to entertain recommendations from politicians or any other individuals while dealing with narcotics-related offences.

"No police officer should compromise on duty. If such instances come to notice, strict action will be taken. They should not entertain recommendations from any politician or anyone else," he said.

Operation Toofan was launched shortly after the UDF government assumed office, with a focus on enforcement, awareness generation and rehabilitation of persons affected by drug addiction.