‘Operation Toofan’ has become a people’s movement against drug mafia: Chennithala

Chennithala, Kerala's Home Minister, declared that Operation Toofan, the state's anti-drug campaign, has morphed into a grassroots movement akin to the literacy drive. Addressing a senior citizens' gathering in Vadakara, Chennithala observed that citizens were spontaneously joining the crusade against drugs without any formal call.

This grassroots involvement has proven instrumental in dismantling drug syndicates, as demonstrated by a single tipoff leading to the arrest of 10,578 individuals and the seizure of drugs worth ₹170 crore in over 9,000 cases since the operation's inception. Among the quantities seized were 21,362.73 grams of MDMA, 1,110.69 kg of ganja, and 523.82 grams of heroin.

Chennithala also highlighted a recent investigation that, following the seizure of 97 grams of MDMA in Malappuram, yielded an astonishing 13 kg of MDMA valued at ₹10 crore in Coimbatore. The Home Minister further emphasized the intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of synthetic drugs and dismantle trafficking networks. He appealed to the public to remain watchful and cooperate with law enforcement, especially to prevent the illicit movement of drugs through border regions like Mahe.

To further foster community support, the State Government launched 'Toofan Care', a program aimed at uniting various societal groups to protect children and seniors, thereby ensuring a safer environment. Vadakara MLA K.K. Rema presided over the meeting, while Shafi Parambil, MP, declared the new 'Toofan warriors', and Padma Shri awardee Meenakshi Amma, among other dignitaries, was honored with a Toofan badge.

The event kicked off with an anti-drug awareness march from Vadakara Cultural Square to the Town Hall, attended by senior citizens, police, pensioners, residents' groups, service organizations, and traders' associations.