Drug menace spread far and wide in Keralam, says Home Minister

Drug menace spread far and wide in Keralam, notes Home Minister Claiming broad political backing for the anti-drug campaign 'Operation Toofan', Ramesh Chennithala notes no individual would receive protection on political grounds; the initiative has received robust public backing, particularly from parents.

Key points

• According to the Minister, the campaign has so far led to the registration of 10, 213 cases and the arrest of 9, 941 persons.
• The Minister remarked close coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, Railway Police, Intelligence Bureau and neighbouring States had been crucial to the campaign.
• The initiative named Toofan (Storm) is built around three pillars: Toofan Strike, Toofan Warriors and Toofan Care.
• While Toofan Strike focuses on enforcement against drug traffickers and distributors, Toofan Warriors seeks to mobilise citizens, students, community groups and public figures against drug abuse.
• Chennithala remarked preliminary assessments indicated a 30% reduction in overall crime and a 40% decline in road accidents since the crackdown began.

Keralam's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, has resulted in the registration of more than 10, 000 cases, the arrest of almost 10, 000 residents and the seizure of narcotics worth over ₹100 crore within 76 days of its launch, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala noted in an interview with The Hindu.

Describing drug abuse as one of the gravest threats facing the State's youth, Mr. Chennithala remarked the crackdown was rolled out shortly after he assumed office as Home Minister. "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 individuals. When I became Home Minister, I decided that tackling the drug menace would be a priority, " he remarked.

For context, the initiative named Toofan (Storm) is built around three pillars: Toofan Strike, Toofan Warriors and Toofan Care.

While Toofan Strike focuses on enforcement against drug traffickers and distributors, Toofan Warriors seeks to mobilise citizens, students, community groups and public figures against drug abuse. Toofan Care, meanwhile, provides rehabilitation and treatment for addicts. The administration has tied up with around 40 private hospitals and de-addiction centres, and more than 150 residents have already been admitted for treatment, the Minister noted.

Drawing a distinction between users and traffickers, Mr. While those profiting from the trade would face stringent legal action, chennithala remarked addicts would be treated as victims requiring care.

"We take a compassionate approach toward users but particularly robust action against traffickers. Properties linked to drug trafficking are being attached and confiscated. Our objective is to create drug trafficking an unviable business, " he stated.

According to the Minister, the campaign has so far led to the registration of 10, 213 cases and the arrest of 9, 941 persons. Authorities have seized MDMA, ganja and a number of other synthetic drugs.

Mr. Chennithala remarked Keralam was confronting not merely a local challenge but a sophisticated network stretching throughout States and international borders. He cited a recent case in Kasaragod in which police raided a cleaning services firm and allegedly uncovered narcotics-laced peppermint candies intended to lure young users. Two Nigerian nationals suspected of involvement in drug supply networks were additionally arrested, he stated.

As well as courier services, parcel networks and even food-delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato to transport narcotics, he continued, traffickers were increasingly using sea, air and rail routes. "Whenever one route is blocked, they find another. Criminal networks constantly evolve and enforcement agencies must adapt."

For context, the Minister remarked close coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, Railway Police, Intelligence Bureau and neighbouring States had been crucial to the campaign. A session of police chiefs from five southern States had lately been convened to improve intelligence sharing and joint operations.

Claiming broad political backing for the initiative, Mr. Chennithala remarked no individual would receive protection on political grounds. "Lately, Youth Congress members were arrested. We created it clear that the law will take its own course, " he stated.

In practice, the campaign has received solid public backing, particularly from parents and women's groups, he went on. "If we do not act now, an entire generation could be ruined."

Mr. Chennithala remarked preliminary assessments indicated a 30% reduction in overall crime and a 40% decline in road accidents since the crackdown began. "Operation Toofan is not just a policing exercise. It is a social movement aimed at protecting the younger generation, " he remarked.

In short, drug menace spread far and wide in Keralam, says Home Minister is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.