Kerala Govt Launches ‘Operation Toofan’ to Crack Down on Synthetic Drug Networks

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday announced a statewide anti-narcotics campaign titled “Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt” , aimed at dismantling drug syndicates and tightening surveillance against the growing spread of synthetic narcotics across the state.

The initiative, unveiled after Chennithala chaired his first high-level meeting of senior police officers at the Police Headquarters, will begin on June 1 , coinciding with the reopening of schools after the summer vacation.

The minister said the operation would focus on eliminating drug distribution networks, particularly around educational institutions, and warned of strict action against the sale of tobacco products and narcotic substances near school premises.

Describing synthetic drugs as a serious and escalating threat in Kerala, Chennithala said police would intensify intelligence-based and technology-driven enforcement measures to identify supply chains and monitor repeat offenders. He added that Kerala Police would coordinate with law enforcement agencies in other states to crack down on inter-state narcotics networks.

“All those connected with narcotics activities will be brought under police surveillance,” the minister said, while seeking public and media support in the fight against the drug mafia.

Alongside the anti-drug drive, the Home Minister also announced a series of police reforms aimed at improving public trust and accessibility. All 484 police stations in Kerala will be transformed into people-friendly public service centres with improved complaint handling, cleaner premises and better public interaction.

Chennithala further said stronger measures would be taken in crimes against women and children, while technology would be used more effectively to tackle cybercrime and reduce traffic accidents. He also announced revisions to police training and the appointment of a five-member panel to study deployment reforms for senior officers.