Kerala to launch ‘Operation Toofan’: The narco hunt’ to intensify anti-drug crackdown on June 2

Kerala will launch “Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt” on June 2 to curb drug trafficking through enhanced policing, digital reporting tools, and surveillance systems. The state-wide campaign will target narcotics networks and promote awareness, especially among students and youth

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government will launch “Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt”, billed as one of the largest anti-drug campaigns in South India, on June 2 as part of a comprehensive crackdown on narcotics networks operating in the state.

The initiative, announced by state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala shortly after assuming office, aims to curb the spread of narcotics through stringent law enforcement measures and a broad-based public awareness campaign, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.

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The Kerala Police, in coordination with various government departments, will spearhead the operation, focusing on dismantling drug trafficking networks and building a strong community-led resistance against substance abuse.

The project has been designed to address the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, using technology-driven surveillance and modern investigative techniques. Authorities said cooperation with police and home departments across South India would be strengthened to tackle inter-state drug syndicates.

As part of the initiative, a digitally enabled system will be established to facilitate the swift reporting of drug-related activities. Mobile applications and WhatsApp chatbots will be introduced to allow citizens to anonymously share information on drug trafficking and consumption.

Officials said hotspot areas would be identified through wastewater analysis in campuses and residential localities, while drone-assisted smart patrolling would be deployed for surveillance and enforcement.

The operation also envisages the introduction of anti-drug awareness modules at the school level and the attachment of assets linked to the drug mafia. Special emphasis will be placed on protecting children from narcotics networks, the statement said.

Police will maintain strict surveillance on drug users, peddlers, suppliers and promoters. Enhanced monitoring will also target the flow of chemical and synthetic narcotics, as well as hybrid ganja, into the state.

Authorities said stringent action would be taken against tobacco sales near educational institutions and against the use and sale of narcotics at luxury hotels, DJ parties and gatherings held in backwater and coastal areas.

The official launch of Operation Toofan will be held at Cotton Hill School here on June 2. Chief Minister V D Satheesan will inaugurate the programme.

The event, to be chaired by Chennithala, will be attended by Health Minister K Muraleedharan, Education Minister N Shamsuddeen, Excise Minister M Liju, Transport Minister C P John, State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar and ADGP H Venkatesh, among others, it added.