Operation Toofan: Kerala’s War Against Narcotics Begins June 1

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the special drive after a high-level meeting with top police officers at the police headquarters, marking his first press conference since assuming charge as home minister. He said Operation Toofan would focus on identifying and destroying the sources of drug circulation in Kerala, with operations carried out in coordination with police departments in other states due to the inter-state links of the drug and narcotics mafia.

"We aim to completely root out drug abuse from the area and protect Kerala's future generations," he emphasized. Chennithala also revealed plans to revamp all 484 police stations across the state, focusing on making them more people-friendly, strengthening anti-crime and anti-narcotics measures, and enhancing public safety, with particular attention to crimes against women and children.

The home minister said steps would be taken to ensure that everyone who approaches a police station is treated respectfully. Visitors to the police stations should be welcomed, offered seating, and given a patient hearing by the police personnel on duty before taking any steps for further proceedings in the matter. He gave instructions to the officials to ensure cleanliness and proper infrastructure at the police stations.

The home minister also announced a major drive to remove unused and abandoned vehicles lying in police station premises for years. The drive, to be supervised by the DGP, will be carried out in compliance with the Kerala Police Act.

Chennithala stated that all 484 stations will undergo a proper transformation, both in appearance and functioning. “Not everyone entering a police station should be viewed as a culprit. Police officers are entrusted with the responsibility of listening to the people patiently, understanding their grievances, and taking steps to resolve the issues. Basically, I want the Kerala Police to function in the spirit of Jan Seva Centres.”

A five-member committee led by the ADGP (Headquarters) has been set up to study the proposal of deploying a DySP-level officer in every police station, along with Sub Inspectors and Circle Inspectors.

Chennithala stated that a decision has been made to strengthen the Student Police Cadet programme and the Janamaithri policing initiative, with a focus on preventing youth involvement in crime. The department will also work on reducing traffic accidents through technology, mobile applications, and coordination with the Public Works Department.

The syllabus of the Police Academy will be revised to train and equip officers to handle emerging trends in crime.

The drug situation in Kerala

Rise in the use of psychotropic substances, especially new-age drugs, among the youth.

Recent crimes involving children committing heinous acts against their parents have been linked to drug use.

The excise department’s lack of an effective intelligence system has hindered efforts to curb trafficking.

Authorities are calling for strict enforcement measures across the state to combat drug abuse.

Chemical drugs like MDMA and LSD stamps are making their way into Kerala and are easily found near schools, colleges, hostels, public spaces, beaches, hotels, and abandoned buildings.

Despite the large influx of narcotics, seizures by authorities remain minimal. In 2024 alone, 24,517 people were arrested in Kerala in connection with drug and narcotic-related cases.