SPC cadets essential to the success of Operation Thoofan: Chennithala

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala takes a salute at a ceremonial parade organized during the SPC State Residential Camp in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has urged the student community to unite in support of ‘Operation Thoofan’, an anti-drug campaign launched by the Kerala Police to combat the growing menace of drug abuse in the society.

Addressing the valedictory function of the Student Police Cadets (SPC) State Residential Camp in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, Mr. Chennithala described drug abuse as one of the gravest menaces affecting the state. Under such circumstances, SPC cadets could play a leading role in protecting the younger generations from addiction and become brand ambassadors for the anti-drug activities being carried out in Kerala.

According to the minister, “Operation Thoofan” was launched to dismantle criminal networks involved in the sale of narcotics, especially near educational institutions. He emphasized that the SPC cadets should spearhead the mission to ensure that the youth never fall prey to drugs.

Mr. Chennithala added that the SPC project has evolved into a symbol of pride for the Kerala Police. The youth movement which has been functioning in Kerala for more than one and a half decades has achieved several milestones. He also said that discussions are on to implement the SPC model across the country.

He appreciated the contributions of SPC cadets in supporting fellow students and helping children in tribal areas with nutritious food, study materials and books and participating in various social welfare activities. He also appreciated the role of SPC cadets in maintaining discipline during school art festivals with the deployment of police personnel.

The Home Minister also announced that the “Home Minister’s Trophy” will be awarded to the highest performing SPC cadet from next year. 939 cadets participated in the week-long camp. Mr. Chennithala took the ceremonial salute and distributed various awards to the cadets during the event.

State police chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, ADGP S. Sreejith, P. Vijayan, Dinesh Kashyap, G. Lakshman, IG nodal officer and SPC S. Ajitha Begum were among those who attended the event.

Published – 25 May 2026 21:36 IST