Kerala Police Launches Statewide ‘Operation Toofan – The Narco Hunt’ to Combat Drug Abuse

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police has launched the statewide anti-drug campaign “Operation Toofan – The Narco Hunt” as part of efforts to make the state drug-free. The state-level inauguration of the initiative was carried out by Chief Minister V D Satheesan at a function held at Government Cotton Hill GHSS in Thiruvananthapuram.

Intelligence IG Vimaladitya has been appointed as the State Nodal Officer for Operation Toofan. Speaking at the event, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that the identities and personal details of individuals who provide information about drug mafias would be kept strictly confidential.

The logo of “Toofan Warriors,” a student-focused anti-drug movement aimed at turning students into campaigners against substance abuse, was also unveiled during the function. The program will be implemented in association with the Student Police Cadets and integrated with the academic curriculum.

General Education Minister N Shamsuddeen received the logo and flag of Toofan Warriors and was presented with its badge. The logo of “Toofan Care,” a rehabilitation and treatment initiative being implemented in collaboration with the Health Department, was received by Transport Minister C P John. Under the program, rehabilitation and counseling facilities will be provided through a network ranging from medical colleges to primary health centres, with support from counselors and voluntary organizations.

The logo of “Toofan Strike,” a joint enforcement mission by the Police and Excise Department aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks, was received by Excise Minister M Liju. The initiative will work in coordination with the Excise Department’s “Operation Thunder.” The minister said de-addiction centres in all districts would be strengthened as part of the campaign.

Delivering the keynote address, MP Shashi Tharoor said Operation Toofan should focus not only on drug users at the end of the chain but also on the “kingpins” who control and profit from narcotics networks.

State Police Chief DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar and ADGP H Venkatesh also addressed the gathering.