Kerala to Deploy 'Toofan Eyes' CCTV Network Around Schools in Anti-Drug Push

Kerala will set up a CCTV-based surveillance system, named 'Toofan Eyes', around schools across the state to monitor and track drug peddlers operating near educational institutions. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the measure as part of the state's ongoing anti-drug campaign.

The initiative aims to strengthen vigilance in and around school premises, where drug distribution networks have been a persistent concern. The surveillance network is expected to feed into the broader enforcement framework of the campaign.

As part of the same effort, 3,500 volunteers from the National Service Scheme (NSS) have been inducted as 'Toofan Warriors'. These volunteers will support the campaign's outreach and monitoring activities on the ground.

The second phase of the anti-drug drive, titled 'Toofan Thaddesham', is scheduled to begin on September 28. The first phase had focused on building public awareness and mobilising community participation against substance abuse.

With the new surveillance component and a larger volunteer base, the state government is looking to tighten its response to drug peddling near schools, a demographic that has been a key focus of the campaign.