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

Kerala's anti-drugs campaign, Operation Toofan, has yielded impressive results. In just 76 days since its launch, the campaign has led to over 10,000 arrests, 9,000 cases, and the seizure of narcotics worth more than ₹100 crore. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala spoke about the campaign in an interview with The Hindu.

Chennithala explained that Operation Toofan, which means "storm," was launched with three components: Strike, Warriors, and Care. Strike focuses on enforcement, targeting those who sell, distribute, and promote drugs. Warriors emphasize public participation, encouraging citizens, students, and community groups to come forward against drug networks. Care component focuses on rehabilitation, treating addicts as victims in need of support.

Chennithala clarified that the campaign distinguishes between drug users and traffickers. Users are treated with compassion and offered rehabilitation, while traffickers face severe legal action. Repeat offenders can face stringent measures, including the confiscation of properties linked to drug trafficking. The campaign has seized various drugs, including MDMA, ganja, and synthetic drugs.

Chennithala stressed that Operation Toofan is not just a policing exercise but a social movement involving government agencies, schools, hospitals, community organizations, and citizens. The campaign has received overwhelming support, especially from mothers and citizens who have provided information through helpline numbers. Preliminary assessments suggest a 30% reduction in overall crimes and a 40% decline in road accidents since the crackdown began.