What is Operation Toofan? Why does it matter? Why did the Kerala government announce the start of the next phase from November 16? All questions answered

Kerala is stepping up its fight against drug abuse, with the state government announcing November 16 as the launch date for the next phase of its anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan.

The upcoming initiative called “Toofan Care” will focus on rehabilitating people struggling with drug addiction and helping them return to normal life, along with the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the development on Monday, saying that 35 hospitals across the state were ready to provide rehabilitation facilities. The initiative is an extension of the government’s strategy, which initially focused on identifying drug networks, conducting raids and taking legal action against those involved in the narcotics trade.

According to ANI, Chennithala said, “Operation Care, launched as part of Operation Toofan, aims to rehabilitate drug addicts and help them return to normal life.”

He added, “Necessary facilities have been arranged in 35 hospitals to support this initiative.”

What is Operation Toofan?

Operation Toofan, officially titled ‘Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt’, is a nationwide anti-drug campaign launched by the Kerala government on 2 June.

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The initiative is being implemented by the state home department and the Kerala police in coordination with ministries including health and excise. Its primary goals are to break drug trafficking networks, reduce the supply of narcotics, prevent the spread of synthetic drugs such as MDMA, and protect young people from substance abuse.

The campaign also seeks to involve the public in identifying drug-related activities and raising awareness about addiction.

Why is Kerala launching the next phase on November 16?

Launched on November 16, it will place greater emphasis on the rehabilitation and recovery of people affected by drug addiction.

The government believes that enforcement and arrests alone cannot solve the drug problem. Providing treatment, counseling and rehabilitation is also essential to help people overcome substance dependence and prevent them from returning to drug use.

Chennithala said the state has already brought up the issue of alleged loopholes in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“There have been cases where accused persons have been released from jail because of certain loopholes in the NDPS Act. The issue has been brought to the attention of the Union Home Minister and the state has told that there is a need to amend the law,” ANI quoted him as saying.

The Minister further said that the Union Home Minister has called for concerted efforts to launch a mass movement against drug abuse.

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“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” Chennithala said.

What will the Operation Toofan rehabilitation program involve?

The upcoming Toofan Care initiative will utilize 35 hospitals set up across Kerala to provide treatment and rehabilitation facilities to people struggling with addiction.

Emphasis will be placed on helping affected individuals access medical care, addiction services and support so they can resume their daily lives.

The initiative is significant as it extends the campaign beyond policing and law enforcement to address the health and social consequences of substance abuse.

The Government of Kerala is also working to involve local communities, families, educational institutions and health workers in identifying people who may need early intervention.

Why does Operation Toofan matter? What do drug data show?

The campaign comes amid concerns over drug smuggling and substance abuse in Kerala. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data cited by ANI, Kerala recorded 30,697 cases under the NDPS Act in 2023, the highest number among Indian states.

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The scale of the problem has prompted the state to combine enforcement with prevention, education and rehabilitation.

What happened during Phase 1 of Operation Toofan?

The first phase focused primarily on law enforcement, including raids, investigations, arrests and actions against drug distribution networks, particularly around educational institutions.

Kerala Police registered 10,070 cases and arrested 10,883 people till September as part of the campaign. Police also seized 23,438.746 grams of MDMA, 1,214.354 kg of ganja and 4,738.269 grams of hashish oil.

The campaign also conducted 9,529 awareness classes and 649 counseling sessions across the state.

Home Minister Chennithala claimed that the first phase has helped reduce drug use in Kerala by 20-30%. He claimed this while launching the community-oriented Operation Toofan 2.0 in Malappuram on September 28.