Keralam’s anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, has resulted in the registration of more than 10,000 cases, the arrest of nearly 10,000 people and the seizure of narcotics worth over ₹100 crore within 76 days of its launch, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said in an interview with The Hindu .
Toofan Warriors seeks to mobilise citizens, students, community groups and public figures against drug abuse While Toofan Strike focuses on enforcement against drug traffickers and distributors. Toofan Care, meanwhile, provides rehabilitation and treatment for addicts. Drawing a distinction between users and traffickers, Mr. Authorities have seized MDMA, ganja and several other synthetic drugs. A meeting of police chiefs from five southern States had recently been convened to improve intelligence sharing and joint operations. Claiming broad political support for the initiative, Mr. “Recently, Youth Congress members were arrested.
The government has tied up with around 40 private hospitals and de-addiction centres, and more than 150 people have already been admitted for treatment, the Minister said. The campaign has so far led to the registration of 10,213 cases and the arrest of 9,941 persons, according to the Minister.
Chennithala said addicts would be treated as victims requiring care, while those profiting from the trade would face stringent legal action. The Minister said close coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, Railway Police, Intelligence Bureau and neighbouring States had been crucial to the campaign. Chennithala said no individual would receive protection on political grounds. We made it clear that the law will take its own course,” he said.
Chennithala said the crackdown was launched soon after he assumed office as Home Minister. Describing drug abuse as one of the gravest threats facing the State’s youth, Mr. “The concern over drugs has been building for years. Even when I was in the Opposition, I repeatedly received information that drugs were spreading among students and young people. The initiative named Toofan (Storm) is built around three pillars: Toofan Strike, Toofan Warriors and Toofan Care.
When I became Home Minister, I decided that tackling the drug menace would be a priority,” he said.
