Response to anti-drugs campaign is overwhelming: Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala

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Keralam’s anti-drugs campaign , Operation Toofan , has led to more than 10,000 arrests, over 9,000 cases and the seizure of narcotics worth more than ₹100 crore within 76 days of its launch, State’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said in an interview with The Hindu . Excerpts:

The concern over drugs has been building for years. Even when I was in the Opposition, I travelled across Keralam and repeatedly received information that drugs were spreading among students and young people, it has spread much wider. When I became Home Minister, I decided that tackling the drug menace would be a priority, and we launched Operation Toofan. Toofan means “storm”. We wanted to send a message that the government would act aggressively against drug trafficking and abuse.

Operation Toofan has three components: Strike, Warriors and Care. Toofan Strike is the enforcement wing. Our focus is on those who sell, distribute and promote drugs. Toofan Warriors is the public participation component. Citizens, students, community groups and public figures come forward voluntarily to join the campaign. Earlier, many people were afraid to speak out against drug networks. Toofan Care focuses on rehabilitation. We consider addicts as victims who need treatment and support. We have tied up with around 40 private hospitals and de-addiction centres across Keralam. Their identities are kept confidential, and they are helped to return to mainstream life. More than 150 people have already been admitted for treatment. Many have completed rehabilitation, while others continue to receive support.

There are two categories. The first is the victim, the addict, who needs treatment and rehabilitation. The second is the seller and trafficker, who profits from addiction. We take a compassionate approach toward users but very strong legal action against those involved in trafficking. Repeat offenders can face stringent action. Properties linked to drug trafficking are attached and confiscated. Our objective is to ensure that drug trafficking becomes an unviable business.

As of the 76th day of the campaign, as many as 10,213 cases have been registered and 9,941 persons have been arrested. Drugs worth more than ₹100 crore have been seized.

We have seized MDMA, a psychoactive drug, ganja (cannabis) and several synthetic drugs. The methods and substances keep changing, and new forms of drugs are constantly emerging in the market.

This is not just a local issue. Drug networks operate across States and international borders. We have encountered cases involving foreign nationals and supply chains that extend beyond Keralam. These networks are sophisticated and constantly change their methods. In Kasargod, police raided a cleaning services company and found crores of toffees made of narcotics substance stored there. They had a special machine to make these peppermint-flavoured candies, which are first distributed free of cost in schools and colleges, and once they are addicted, these are sold at a premium. They planned to distribute MDMA but police foiled their plan.