Response to anti-drugs campaign is overwhelming: Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala

Response to anti-drugs campaign is overwhelming: Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala As of the 76th day of the Operation Toofan campaign, 10, 213 cases have been registered and 9, 941 persons have been arrested; drugs worth more than ₹100 crore have been.

Key points

• As plenty of as 10, 213 cases have been registered and 9, 941 persons have been arrested, as of the 76th day of the campaign.
• We are working closely with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, Railway Police, Intelligence Bureau and other Central authorities.
• Preliminary assessments suggest that there has been a 30% reduction in overall crimes and 40% decline in road accidents since the crackdown began.
• Operation Toofan has three components: Strike, Warriors and Care.
• Operation Toofan is not just a policing exercise; it is a social movement.

Keralam's anti-drugs campaign, Operation Toofan, has led to more than 10, 000 arrests, over 9, 000 cases and the seizure of narcotics worth more than ₹100 crore within 76 days of its launch, State's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala remarked in an interview with The Hindu. Excerpts. What is the vision behind Operation Toofan?

Meanwhile, the concern over drugs has been building for years. Even when I was in the Opposition, I travelled throughout Keralam and repeatedly received information that drugs were spreading among students and young residents, it has spread much wider. When I became Home Minister, I decided that tackling the drug menace would be a priority, and we introduced Operation Toofan. Toofan means "storm". We wanted to send a message that the administration would act aggressively against drug trafficking and abuse.

Operation Toofan has three components: Strike, Warriors and Care. Toofan Strike is the enforcement wing. Our focus is on those who sell, distribute and promote drugs. Toofan Warriors is the public participation component. Citizens, students, community groups and public figures come forward voluntarily to join the campaign. Earlier, plenty of residents were afraid to speak out against drug networks. Toofan Care focuses on rehabilitation. We consider addicts as victims who need treatment and backing. We have tied up with around 40 private hospitals and de-addiction centres throughout Keralam. Their identities are kept confidential, and they are supported to return to mainstream life. More than 150 individuals have already been admitted for treatment. While others continue to receive backing, plenty of have completed rehabilitation.

How do you distinguish between users and traffickers?

There are two categories. The first is the victim, the addict. This person needs treatment and rehabilitation. The second is the seller and trafficker. This person profits from addiction. We take a compassionate approach toward users but particularly robust legal action against those involved in trafficking. Repeat offenders can face stringent action. Properties linked to drug trafficking are attached and confiscated. Our objective is to ensure that drug trafficking becomes an unviable business. What has the operation achieved so far?

As plenty of as 10, 213 cases have been registered and 9, 941 persons have been arrested, as of the 76th day of the campaign. Drugs worth more than ₹100 crore have been seized. What are the most commonly seized drugs?

We have seized MDMA, a psychoactive drug, ganja (cannabis) and a number of synthetic drugs. The methods and substances keep changing, and new forms of drugs are constantly emerging in the market. Is Keralam facing a local difficulty or an international network?

This is not just a local matter. Drug networks operate throughout States and international borders. We have encountered cases involving foreign nationals and supply chains that extend beyond Keralam. These networks are sophisticated and constantly change their methods. In Kasargod, police raided a cleaning services firm and identified crores of toffees created of narcotics substance stored there. They had a special machine to create these peppermint-flavoured candies. It are first distributed free of cost in schools and colleges, and once they are addicted, these are sold at a premium. They planned to distribute MDMA but police foiled their plan. Two Nigerian suppliers were arrested. Hybrid ganja is going from Thailand to Gulf countries and then to Keralam.

Drugs come through sea routes, air routes and rail networks. Traffickers additionally apply courier services, food delivery apps such as Swiggy and Zomato and parcel delivery systems. Whenever one route is blocked, they look for another. Thy are using innovative methods. We have seen drugs being transported through even ambulances. Criminal networks continuously evolve their methods, so enforcement agencies additionally have to adapt. How significant has coordination with other agencies been?

It has been critical. We are working closely with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, Railway Police, Intelligence Bureau and other Central authorities. I lately held a gathering with the police chiefs of five southern States and have appointed a nodal officer for multi-agency coordination. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Joseph Vijay and Karnataka Chief Minister D.K Shivakumar have additionally unveiled similar operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has additionally offered backing. Is there political backing for the campaign?

Yes. The campaign enjoys backing throughout political lines. Drug abuse is a social matter, not a political one. We have created it clear that no one will receive protection as of political affiliation. Does that include individuals linked to political parties?

Absolutely. If someone is involved in drug-related offences, action will be taken according to the law, irrespective of party affiliation. Lately, two youth Congress members were held for the crime; we produced it amply clear that law will take its own course and no protection will be given. What has been the public response?

Meanwhile, the response has been overwhelming. Parents, especially mothers, have strongly backed the campaign. We receive information from citizens regularly, and public participation has become one of our greatest strengths. We have issued helpline numbers which are flooded with calls and information. If we do not do anything, the new generation will be completely spoiled. A mother was killed by her son who was addicted to cannabis. The women are scared to open the doors when these men come home. Do you see any early impact of Operation Toofan?

Preliminary assessments suggest that there has been a 30% reduction in overall crimes and 40% decline in road accidents since the crackdown began. We are continuing to analyse the data, but the early indicators are encouraging.

My goal is to protect the younger generation. Drug abuse can destroy families, communities and future. Operation Toofan is not just a policing exercise; it is a social movement. We want administration agencies, schools, hospitals, community organisations and citizens to work together to eliminate the drug menace from society.

In short, response to anti-drugs campaign is overwhelming: Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.