Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 23: Kerala has stepped up its fight against narcotics under the statewide 'Operation Toofan' campaign, with 2,954 cases registered and 3,176 individuals arrested so far, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala informed the Assembly on Tuesday.

Addressing lawmakers, Chennithala said the government aims to transform the anti-drug initiative into a broad-based public movement by encouraging participation from all sections of society and mobilising influential personalities to spread awareness.

As part of the campaign, the Home Minister has personally invited prominent figures from the film industry, religious institutions and social organisations to join the initiative as 'Toofan Warriors'. Their role is to promote awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and strengthen community participation in the fight against narcotics.

Among those who have joined the initiative are veteran actor Mohanlal, legendary actor Madhu and noted lyricist and filmmaker Sreekumaran Thampi.

To strengthen enforcement efforts, the government has deployed Special Investigation Teams (SITs) across all 84 police sub-divisions in the state to crack down on drug trafficking networks and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Expressing concern over the scale of the problem, Chennithala said Kerala was facing a serious narcotics challenge, warning that the spread of drugs in the state was becoming more alarming than in Punjab.

He emphasised that eliminating the menace would require sustained and collective efforts beyond political divisions.

"We cannot expect Kerala to become drug-free overnight. This is a battle that demands united action from society as a whole. Only through collective responsibility can we eradicate this threat completely," he said.

The Minister noted that the campaign has been receiving strong support from families, educational institutions, religious bodies and community organisations, whose involvement he described as essential for long-term success.

Chennithala also said the government was tightening surveillance to prevent the large-scale inflow of narcotics from neighbouring states.

Highlighting the changing nature of drug abuse, he said the problem was no longer limited to any specific age group or section of society, with increasing involvement of young women also being reported.

"In several instances, the issue comes to light only during routine bag inspections," he said, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and public awareness.