Operation Toofan draws public support on scale of literacy drive: Kerala Home Minister

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said that Operation Toofan, the State government's campaign against the drug mafia, has evolved into a significant people's movement. He drew a parallel between the scale of public participation in the anti-drug drive and that seen during the State's historic literacy campaign.

Speaking on Monday after inaugurating a senior citizens' meeting organised by the Kozhikode Rural police at the Vadakara Municipal Town Hall, Mr. Chennithala noted that people were joining the fight voluntarily, without any formal invitation or mobilisation. He said this spontaneous participation sends a strong message to drug traffickers. The Minister also highlighted that public cooperation has enabled police to act against drug networks, even on the basis of a single phone call.

Providing data on the campaign's impact, Mr. Chennithala said that since its launch, Operation Toofan has led to the arrest of 10,578 people and the seizure of drugs worth ₹170 crore in over 9,000 cases. The confiscated contraband includes 21,362.73 grams of MDMA, 1,110.69 kg of ganja, and 523.82 grams of heroin.

He also cited an investigation into the seizure of 97 grams of MDMA in Malappuram that subsequently led to the recovery of 13 kg of the drug, valued at an estimated ₹10 crore, in Coimbatore.

The Minister said the government and police have intensified efforts to curb the spread of synthetic drugs and dismantle trafficking networks. He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities, particularly in preventing drug movement through border areas such as Mahe.

Mr. Chennithala also spoke about 'Toofan Care', a State government initiative designed to bring various sections of society into a common network to protect children and senior citizens. The event was presided over by Vadakara MLA K.K. Rema, and Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil declared the new Toofan warriors. Padma Shri awardee Meenakshi Amma and other prominent personalities received Toofan badges.

The programme was preceded by an anti-drug awareness rally from the Vadakara Cultural Square to the Town Hall, which saw participation from senior citizens, police personnel, pensioners, residents' associations, service organisations, and traders' groups.