Kerala Chief Minister to launch Operation Toofan

Chief Minister VD Satheesan will formally launch Operation Toofan, an anti-drug drive by the Kerala Police, at the Government Higher Secondary School for Girls in Cotton Hill on June 2.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala will preside over the programme. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, General Education Minister N. Samsudheen, Excise Minister M. Liju and Transport Minister CP John will also attend the event.

According to the police, a digitally enabled system will be created to eliminate drug smuggling and facilitate rapid collection of information on drug use and distribution across Kerala. A comprehensive digital surveillance network, including mobile apps and WhatsApp chatbots, will be introduced to enable anonymous reporting of drug-related activities.

The initiative also proposes to identify drug hotspots through wastewater testing in campuses and residential areas and conduct smart patrols using drones. In addition, the Ministry of the Interior plans to introduce special anti-drug curricula in schools. In addition, assets obtained through drug trafficking will be confiscated to prevent such activities.

Strict action will also be taken against the sale of tobacco near schools and the use and sale of drugs in five-star hotels, DJ parties and gatherings held in backwaters and coastal areas.

Ahead of the reopening of the school, the Thiruvananthapuram City Police conducted extensive raids in the city as part of the programme. Prohibited tobacco products were seized from shops during a drive conducted in collaboration with the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Five bags of tobacco products were seized and numerous illegal bunkhouse shops and roadside stalls allegedly used for such illegal activities were removed within the Medical College police limits.

Published – 31 May 2026 21:20 IST