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Kerala Chief Minister to launch Operation Toofan The anti-drug enforcement drive will establish a digitally enabled system to eliminate drug trafficking and facilitate the rapid collection of information on drug use and distribution across the State

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics May 23, 2026 16:56 IST Kerala's Home Minister has announced 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a statewide anti-narcotics campaign aimed at dismantling drug syndicates and improving police services across the state. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday announced a comprehensive statewide anti-narcotics campaign titled "Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt", aimed at cracking down on drug syndicates. The minister announced the initiative after chairing his first high-level meeting of senior police officers at the Police Headquarters here. Chennithala said the special drive would begin from June 1, coinciding with the reopening of schools after the summer vacation, and would focus on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions. "The aim is to uproot gangs that are trapping children in narcotics. Those who use drugs, sell them, spread them, and those behind their supply chains will all come under strict police surveillance. A special project has been prepared for this campaign," he said. Describing narcotics, especially synthetic drugs, as a growing threat in Kerala, t…

More than 400 individuals detained in Kozhikode during 'Operation ... The ongoing initiative known as ‘ Operation Toofan ’ is making significant strides in the fight against drug abuse in Kozhikode district, Kerala. Launched by the Home department, this comprehensive campaign focuses on enforcement, public awareness, and rehabilitation efforts. In just the first 22 days of June, authorities have recorded 417 cases and arrested 422 individuals linked to drug-related offenses. A senior officer from the Kozhikode City police highlighted the operation's multifaceted approach, stating, “We are systematically tracing the supply chain behind narcotics cases by following leads obtained from users and suppliers.” Recent police actions have led to the seizure of two substantial narcotics consignments within the city, underscoring the operation's effectiveness. Awareness and Education Initiatives Beyond strict law enforcement, the operation emphasizes the importance of educating the community, particularly students and young people, about the dangers of drug use. The Vadakara Deputy Superintendent of Police announced plans to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit T…

'Operation Toofaan': Kerala Police Arrest Over 4,000 People, Seize Huge ... ETV Bharat / state 'Operation Toofaan': Kerala Police Arrest Over 4,000 People, Seize Huge Quantity Of Drugs In Less Than A Month The main objective of Operation Toofan is to completely severe the networks of drug syndicates that have been targeting educational institutions. 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt' was conceptualised at a high-level meeting of top police officials at the Police Headquarters, immediately after Ramesh Chennithala assumed charge as the Home Minister. ( ETV Bharat/Arrangement ) By ETV Bharat English Team Published : June 27, 2026 at 10:33 AM IST 2 Min Read Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Police's 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', the anti-drug initiative has gained momentum across the state within less than a month since it was undertaken on June 2. As many as 3,910 cases have been registered and 4,201 individuals have been arrested since the drive was launched. Law enforcement agencies have also confiscated significant quantities of contraband, including 1,932.44 grammes of MDMA and 339.01 kilogrammes of ganja during these statewide operations. The campaign officially commenced on Jun…

Operation Toofan: Rs 10 Crore Drugs, Tobacco Seized in Kerala, 2,778 ... Narcotic substances and banned tobacco products worth over Rs 10 crore have been seized and 2,778 people arrested during the first 15 days of the statewide anti-drug crackdown 'Operation Toofan', Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Tuesday The minister said 2,575 cases have been registered so far as part of the operation, which is being jointly carried out by the Kerala Police and Excise Department with the support of the Health, Education and other government departments, he said. He was addressing a press conference after an inter-agency coordination meeting at the police headquarters here. The seizures included various quantities of MDMA, ganja, hashish oil, brown sugar, LSD stamps and banned tobacco products, with an estimated international market value exceeding Rs 10 crore, he said. Of the total cases registered, 838 involved small quantities of narcotic substances, 78 were medium quantity cases and 24 involved commercial quantities, the minister added. Chennithala said the government has decided to further intensify 'Operation Toofan' with the support and cooperation of various central…

Two foreign nationals among 795 arrested in Operation Toofan against drug menace in Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala says the anti-drug enforcement drive has yielded significant results within days of its launch; narcotics substances worth over ₹60 lakh seized within three days

Kerala Police rope in religious leaders for anti-drug drive ‘Operation Toofan’ Home Minister Chennithala declares Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama State president Syed Mohammed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal and Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar as ‘Toofan warriors’

Operation Toofan: Kerala anti-drug activist arrested for MDMA ... News Desk Last Updated: 30 June 2026, 12:28 PM IST Share Kerala Police arrested Sharfine Sebastian, an anti-drug activist in Pathanamthitta, for MDMA possession under Operation Thoofan, recovering drugs and related paraphernalia during the raid. Sharfin Sebastian Ezhumattoor (Pathanamthitta): A man who allegedly ran an anti-drug campaign while also being involved in drug use and trafficking has been arrested by the police. Sharfine Sebastian (25), a resident of Ezhumattoor was taken into custody by the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) team and the Ranni Sub-Division DANSAF team. Police said he was found consuming and allegedly selling the synthetic psychoactive drug MDMA while also posing as an anti-drug activist. Also Read Operation Toofan: Protecting Kerala’s future from drug menace Kerala drug trend: Cartels using women, minor girls as ‘family’ front to smuggle ganja, MDMA Operation Toofan: Kerala’s anti-drug campaign and the limits of enforcement Authorities recovered 1.590 grams of MDMA from his possession. During further investigation, police also found an identity card stating that he was …

Central agencies join Operation Toofan to intensify anti-drug crackdown ... Subscribed with another email? Logout and Login with that one. Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription Updated - June 16, 2026 06:37 pm IST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, and former DGP and Police adviser to Home Minister A. Hemachandran, holding a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday after holding an inter-agency coordination meeting on the Statewide anti-narcotics drive ‘Operation Toofan’. | Photo Credit: JAYAMOHAN A. In a major boost to Kerala’s intensified anti-drug campaign, Central enforcement and intelligence agencies have joined forces with the State government to strengthen Operation Toofan, the flagship narcotics crackdown launched by the Kerala Police. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala convened a high-level coordination meeting involving central agencies in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) to enhance intelligence sharing, identify drug trafficking networks and curb the inflow of narcotics into the State. He said the meeting br…

Kerala Minister Warns Drug Networks: 'Law Will Reach You' Kerala News Updated Jun 3, 2026 Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala Warns Drug Networks: 'Long Arm of Law Will Reach You' Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala launched Operation Toofan, a major anti-narcotics drive, calling drug dealers "merchants of death." The initiative involves multiple state departments to dismantle drug distribution networks. Kerala recorded 36,314 NDPS cases in 2025, a sharp rise from the previous year. The government urges public cooperation and assures anonymity for informants. A ANI Jun 3, 2026 · 2 min read · 217 views Save Listen Copy "You must stop this, long arm of law will reach you": Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala's warning to drug distribution centres, networks Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday called the drug distribution centres and networks "merchants of death" as the State launches a "major mission" against drug use. "A major mission to free Keralam from the grip of drugs begins today. Drug distribution centres and networks that are leading young people astray are highly active in Keralam. They are merchants o…

Operation Toofan: ₹10 crore worth of narcotics and tobacco seized; 2778 ... News Desk Last Updated: 17 Jun 2026, 09:37 am IST Share Kerala's 'Operation Toofan' delivers a major blow to drug cartels, seizing narcotics worth over ₹10 crore and arresting 2,778 suspects within 15 days. Representational image Thiruvananthapuram: In the opening fortnight of 'Operation Toofan'—a massive, state-wide offensive against illicit drugs—authorities have seized narcotics and outlawed tobacco products valued at over ₹10 crore, resulting in the arrest of 2,778 individuals. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala shared these updates on Tuesday, confirming that 2,575 cases have been logged since the campaign launched. The multi-departmental initiative is being spearheaded by the Kerala Police and the Excise Department, with active assistance from the health and education sectors. Speaking to reporters following an inter-agency review at the police headquarters, Chennithala detailed that law enforcement recovered 1.589 kg of MDMA, 146.490 kg of ganja, 464.045 g of hashish oil, 350.439 g of brown sugar and 141 cannabis plants, alongside a vast quantity of banned tobacco products. The collective stree…

Kerala launches ‘Operation Toofan’ to combat growing drug menace Chief Minister cautions that State’s hard-earned social progress and its youth are under direct threat from an organised drug mafia

Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala's warning to drug ... "You must stop this, long arm of law will reach you": Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala's warning to drug distribution centres, networks Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], June 3 (ANI): Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday called the drug distribution centres and networks 'merchants of death' as the State launches a 'major mission' against drug use. 'A major mission to free Keralam from the grip of drugs begins today. Drug distribution centres and networks that are leading young people astray are highly active in Keralam. They are merchants of death. Some individuals are operating as part of an international drug trafficking network in a highly organised manner. The Kerala Police will move forward with strong measures,' he said. The Minister further said that the Keralam police have come up with a strategy to launch a crackdown on the distribution centres and networks. 'I have a message for drug dealers: you must stop this. If you do not, the long arm of the law will reach you. Operation Toofan is a government initiative carried out jointly by the Police, Excise Department, Education Department…

1,500+ Cases and 1,000+ Arrests in Just 72 Hours: Kerala Police Launch ... NewsVoir Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 11: The Kerala Police has launched a synchronized anti-narcotics enforcement campaign titled Operation Toofan, positioning frontline police units at the vanguard of the mission. Operating with direct tactical, administrative, and data assistance from regional intelligence cells and state administrative departments, the Kerala Police force has established a unified command structure to target interstate supply corridors. This extensive mobilization resulted in the registration of more than 1,500 cases, the execution of more than 1,000 arrests, and the recovery of substantial quantities of synthetic contraband within the first 72 hours of field deployment. The operation's success relied on a carefully timed blueprint. Two weeks before the academic year started, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala finalized a strategy designed to catch school-zone traffickers off guard. Police units then began quietly mapping out the networks. The moment students went back to class, the trap snapped shut, shifting from silent surveillance to aggressive field arrests across sta…

1,500+ Cases and 1,000+ Arrests in Just 72 Hours: Kerala ... - Dailyhunt NewsVoir T hiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 11: The Kerala Police has launched a synchronized anti-narcotics enforcement campaign titled Operation Toofan, positioning frontline police units at the vanguard of the mission. Advertisement Operating with direct tactical, administrative, and data assistance from regional intelligence cells and state administrative departments, the Kerala Police force has established a unified command structure to target interstate supply corridors. This extensive mobilization resulted in the registration of more than 1,500 cases, the execution of more than 1,000 arrests, and the recovery of substantial quantities of synthetic contraband within the first 72 hours of field deployment. The operation’s success relied on a carefully timed blueprint. Two weeks before the academic year started, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala finalized a strategy designed to catch school-zone traffickers off guard. Police units then began quietly mapping out the networks. The moment students went back to class, the trap snapped shut, shifting from silent surveillance to aggressive field arrests …

Kerala Minister Warns of Crackdown on Drug Supply Through Food Delivery ... Alappuzha: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday warned online food delivery workers and ambulance drivers against involvement in drug trafficking, saying strict action would be taken against those found guilty. Speaking to reporters here, Chennithala said the police had received complaints that some ambulance drivers and online food delivery workers were allegedly being used to supply narcotic substances. "We have received complaints that some ambulances are being used to transport drugs," he said. The minister also cautioned online food delivery workers against participating in drug distribution networks. "There are complaints that drugs are being delivered through food delivery workers, as they are often not subjected to checks. I urge those involved in such activities to stop immediately so that we do not have to proceed against them under the law," he said. Chennithala said police would closely monitor those engaged in such services and that stringent action would be taken if any illegal activity was detected. Referring to the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and…

What is 'Operation Toofaan' and how Kerala govt plans to address drug ... In a significant developmnet to address the issue drug abuse, Kerala Chief MinisterV D Satheesanon Tuesday launched 'Operation Toofaan', an anti-drug initiative of the Home Department. He stated that substance abuse is one of the biggest challenges faced by the state. In his inaugural address, Satheesan said that over 60 per cent of the state's population consists of young people, who form Kerala's demographic dividend, and warned that the drug mafia is actively targeting them. He said the impact of drugs on youth is evident from the changing nature of crimes, which have become more cruel and brutal. The CM stated that, under the influence of drugs, youngsters have even killed their parents or other close family members. He emphasised that the initiative requires the involvement of not only the Home Department but also the Excise and Education departments, along with other government agencies, schools, and parents, in efforts to eradicate drugs and dismantle their networks across the state. The mission has two components: enforcement by the police and Excise Department with full government support, and aw…

Operation Toofan: Drugs, tobacco products worth Rs 10 cr seized, 2,778 ... Thiruvananthapuram | Narcotic substances and banned tobacco products worth over Rs 10 crore have been seized and 2,778 people arrested during the first 15 days of the statewide anti-drug crackdown 'Operation Toofan', Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Tuesday. The minister said 2,575 cases have been registered so far as part of the operation, which is being jointly carried out by the Kerala Police and Excise Department with the support of the Health, Education and other government departments, he said. He was addressing a press conference after an inter-agency coordination meeting at the police headquarters here. The seizures included various quantities of MDMA, ganja, hashish oil, brown sugar, LSD stamps and banned tobacco products, with an estimated international market value exceeding Rs 10 crore, he said. Of the total cases registered, 838 involved small quantities of narcotic substances, 78 were medium quantity cases and 24 involved commercial quantities, the minister added. Chennithala said the government has decided to further intensify 'Operation Toofan' with the support and coope…

Operation Toofan: ₹10 crore worth of narcotics and tobacco seized; 2778 ... T hiruvananthapuram: In the opening fortnight of 'Operation Toofan'-a massive, state-wide offensive against illicit drugs-authorities have seized narcotics and outlawed tobacco products valued at over ₹10 crore, resulting in the arrest of 2,778 individuals. Advertisement Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala shared these updates on Tuesday, confirming that 2,575 cases have been logged since the campaign launched. The multi-departmental initiative is being spearheaded by the Kerala Police and the Excise Department, with active assistance from the health and education sectors. Speaking to reporters following an inter-agency review at the police headquarters, Chennithala detailed that law enforcement recovered 1.589 kg of MDMA, 146.490 kg of ganja, 464.045 g of hashish oil, 350.439 g of brown sugar and 141 cannabis plants, alongside a vast quantity of banned tobacco products. The collective street value of the haul crosses the ₹10 crore mark. Broken down by severity, the registrations include 838 minor possession cases, 78 medium-tier cases and 24 major commercial-scale drug offences. The Minister also reve…

Not fair to blame migrant workers alone for Kerala's drug ... - Onmanorama Joshua Eugine Published: July 03, 2026 05:32 PM ISTUpdated: July 03, 2026 05:50 PM IST 2 minuteRead Operation Toofan, a drug crackdown in Kerala, has resulted in over five thousand arrests in its first month and aims to combat rampant drug use across the state. Perumbavoor's thriving plywood industry is a significant economic contributor, attracting migrant workers seeking employment and fair wages, often referred to as 'the Gulf of the migrant worker'. While acknowledging drug use among some migrant workers, the Home Minister stressed that the drug mafia exploits them and that many Keralites are involved in the narcotics distribution network; a special task force for Operation Toofan will be launched, and public cooperation is vital for the operation's success. Link Copied Unfazed by the rain that poured over Perumbavoor on Friday, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala flagged off the Operation Toofan Jagran rally from the town's Government Boys Higher Secondary School. The Home Minister was joined by Operation Toofan Zonal Officer Putta Vimaladitya and MLA Benny Behanan, among others, in the culmination…