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Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam - Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has called for a more stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act to impose harsher penalties on drug traffickers and has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convene a meeting of the Centre and states to combat drug trafficking in India. Chennithala stated in a Facebook post that he has written a letter to Shah requesting the meeting.

The minister noted that drug seizures in Kerala, as part of the state's Operation Toofan anti-narcotics drive, have exposed extensive drug networks that stretch beyond Kerala's borders and even into foreign countries. Chennithala told Shah that the Union Home Minister should convene a special meeting of home ministers from all states to discuss a complete revision of the law and the implementation of strict follow-up measures, as the current legal framework has inherent weaknesses.

Practices like repackaging large amounts of narcotics into smaller units for distribution, introduction of new synthetic drugs, exploitation of forensic testing delays, and concealment of funds in benami accounts all reveal the current law's shortcomings, he added. The arrestees can easily secure bail and return to drug trafficking, showcasing the law's weakness, Chennithala said.

He emphasized that this situation cannot be allowed to continue and needs a comprehensive overhaul of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, incorporating stricter penalties for repeat offenses. Chennithala also suggested that the law must be strengthened by adding more rigorous provisions and decisive action should be taken to dismantle the financial foundations of the drug mafia by immediately confiscating their assets.

Chennithala said that he conveyed Kerala's willingness to host the meeting to Shah. He also mentioned that Shah expressed his appreciation for the progress of Operation Toofan during their recent meeting at Amritapuri. Chennithala stressed that the central government's serious view of this issue necessitates a strong, unified effort to eradicate the drug menace, emphasizing the need for an uncompromising collective fight against this menace.