Kerala Launches Operation Toofan Anti-Drug Drive Across State
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan launched Operation Toofan on June 2, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram, a comprehensive anti-drug enforcement drive by Kerala Police. The operation involves digital surveillance, drones, wastewater testing, school curricula, and interdepartmental cooperation. Within two weeks, central agencies (IB, NCB, DRI) joined, resulting in 2,778 arrests, 2,575 cases, and seizures worth over ₹10 crore. The initiative includes enforcement (Toofan Strikes), awareness (Toofan Warriors with actor Mohanlal), and rehabilitation (Toofan Care).
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Kerala Home Minister Meets Tamil Nadu CM to Discuss Coordinated Anti-Drug Operation Toofan
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Chennai on July 15, 2026, to discuss establishing a coordinated mechanism among five southern Indian states to combat drug trafficking. Chennithala briefed Vijay on 'Operation Toofan', Kerala's anti-narcotics drive, which has resulted in over 6,000 arrests and nearly 5,500 cases in 43 days. He sought Tamil Nadu's cooperation in sharing intelligence and policing the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border to nab drug peddlers. Chennithala also mentioned recent discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for similar cooperation. The ministers expressed concern over drug mafias targeting school and college students. Chennithala invited Vijay to Kerala for a joint event in August featuring film stars Mohanlal (Kerala's brand ambassador) and Vijay (Tamil Nadu's brand ambassador). Surveillance at ports, airports, and interstate trains will be intensified.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Operation Toofan: Kerala and Tamil Nadu Join Forces to Boost Anti-Drug Drive
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Chennai on July 15, 2026, to seek support for Kerala's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan. During the 30-minute meeting, Vijay agreed to enhance police deployment along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and improve intelligence sharing to combat drug trafficking. Chennithala announced that special surveillance would be intensified at airports, railway stations, trains, boats, and other transit points. The ministers also planned a major anti-drug awareness program in Ernakulam featuring Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, and actor Mohanlal, who serves as the campaign's brand ambassador. Chennithala reported that Operation Toofan has been highly successful, with over 7,000 arrests for drug use and trafficking so far. He praised the Tamil Nadu government's transparency and anti-corruption efforts under Vijay's leadership.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kerala Home Minister to Meet Tamil Nadu CM for Anti-Drug Drive Support
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala is scheduled to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Chennai on July 15, 2026, to seek support for the state's anti-drug enforcement initiative, Operation Toofan. The discussions will focus on joint efforts to identify drug hubs, prevent the spread of narcotics, and dismantle drug mafia networks operating in the region. This meeting follows a similar outreach to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in Bengaluru and a recent conference of senior police officers from southern states in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting Kerala's coordinated regional approach to combat drug trafficking.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.South Indian States and Central Agencies to Form Permanent Anti-Drug Coordination Network
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the establishment of a permanent interstate anti-drug coordination network involving police forces from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, along with central agencies including the Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, and Intelligence Bureau. Each state will appoint a senior nodal officer of at least Superintendent of Police rank for continuous intelligence sharing and joint operations. The announcement followed a high-level meeting on Kerala's ongoing anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan. The meeting discussed new trafficking methods such as online transactions, courier services, misuse of food delivery platforms, and dropping narcotics from moving trains. The government plans to operationalize special NDPS courts in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, reinforce specialized narcotic units in all 20 police districts, and create a dedicated anti-narcotics task force. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge will visit Kerala on July 15 for further coordination talks.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka CM Shivakumar backs Operation Toofan; southern states' DGPs to meet on July 10
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has extended his government's full support to Operation Toofan, an anti-narcotics initiative launched by Kerala to combat drug trafficking. During a meeting in Bengaluru, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala requested stricter surveillance along the Kerala-Karnataka border. Shivakumar assured that additional police personnel would be deployed to strengthen inspections and enforcement in border areas. He praised Operation Toofan as a model for other states and directed the Karnataka Chief Secretary to initiate follow-up actions. Meanwhile, Chennithala has convened a meeting of the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of southern Indian states on July 10 in Thiruvananthapuram to coordinate further efforts against drug trafficking across the region.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kerala Home Minister Warns Food Delivery Workers Against Supplying Drugs
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala warned food delivery workers in major cities to stop supplying drugs along with food or face arrest, citing intelligence reports. The warning came during the launch of the second phase of 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt' at St. Teresa's College in Kochi. Operation Toofan is implemented in three parts: 'Toofan Strike' (targeting drug traders), 'Toofan Warriors' (mobilizing students and public), and 'Toofan Care' (rehabilitating addicts). Actor Mohanlal volunteered as ambassador for 'Toofan Warriors.' Chennithala said the state will adopt a 'zero compromise' approach against international drug mafia and declared Kerala will not become like Colombia. A program to facilitate 'Active and Responsible Night Life' without drug mafia fear will be introduced in Kochi. The Minister administered the Toofan pledge and distributed Toofan Warrior badges at the event attended by local politicians and police officials.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kerala Home Minister: Law Will Apply Equally to Film Personalities and VIPs in Drug Cases
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told the Legislative Assembly on June 23, 2026, that the state's anti-drug drive, Operation Toofan, will apply the law equally to all offenders, including film personalities and other influential persons. He stated there would be no immunity for high-profile drug offenders. The Minister reported that between June 2 and June 17, Kerala Police registered 2,954 cases involving prohibited narcotic substances and 1,421 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. As part of the campaign, over 2,152 anti-drug awareness classes and 167 counseling sessions have been conducted, with 12 individuals referred to de-addiction centers. A dedicated helpline and WhatsApp service received over 1,600 calls and 1,116 messages. The government plans to involve youth organizations, voluntary groups, and religious bodies in awareness efforts.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Drug mafia can be defeated only through public participation: Minister
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, speaking at the district-level launch of 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt' in Kozhikode on June 20, 2026, warned that an international drug lobby is tightening its grip on Kerala and luring children into addiction. He stated that the fight against the drug mafia can only succeed with the active participation of children, parents, and the general public. The Minister urged the youth to join Operation Toofan to eradicate the drug menace and build a substance-free new generation. He also handed over an anti-drug torch, distributed awards to outstanding students, and inaugurated the One Million Goal Campaign against drugs and the Edu Carnival in the Kunnamangalam Assembly constituency. The event was attended by local MLAs and an MP.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kerala Police Enlists Religious Leaders in Anti-Drug Campaign 'Operation Toofan'
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala declared two prominent religious leaders, Syed Mohammed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal and Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, as 'Toofan warriors' in the state's ongoing anti-drug initiative 'Operation Toofan'. The move aims to leverage the influence of religious figures to combat drug abuse among youth. Chennithala stated the goal is a 'drug-free Kerala' and noted that over ₹15 crore worth of narcotics have been confiscated so far. An awareness event is planned for schools on June 26, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, with ministers, MLAs, and MPs attending. The Home Minister also plans to meet Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil of the Thamarassery Diocese to broaden the campaign's reach.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Central agencies join Operation Toofan to intensify anti-drug crackdown in Kerala
On June 16, 2026, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced that central enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Indian Customs, Indian Coast Guard, and Marine Enforcement, have joined Operation Toofan—a statewide anti-narcotics drive launched by Kerala Police. The collaboration aims to enhance intelligence sharing, identify drug trafficking networks, and curb the inflow of narcotics into the state. In just two weeks, the operation has seized narcotics and banned tobacco products worth over ₹10 crore, registered 2,575 cases, and arrested 2,778 people. Seized substances include MDMA, ganja, hashish oil, brown sugar, LSD stamps, and cannabis plants. The operation has three components: Toofan Strikes (enforcement actions), Toofan Warriors (mass awareness and volunteer mobilization featuring actor Mohanlal as a key ambassador), and Toofan Care (rehabilitation and counseling for addicts). A statewide awareness campaign is planned for June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Two foreign nationals among 795 arrested in Operation Toofan against drug menace in Kerala
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced that Operation Toofan, the state's anti-drug enforcement drive, has yielded significant results within days of its launch. A total of 728 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 795 people, including two foreign nationals suspected to be drug-racket kingpins arrested from New Delhi and Bengaluru. Police seized narcotics substances worth over ₹60 lakh, including 625.6 grams of MDMA, 48.049 kg of ganja, 136 grams of hashish oil, and 480 ganja beedis. The public has been encouraged to share confidential information through three dedicated numbers. The police have constituted four 16-member teams across 84 police sub-divisions and a dedicated intelligence wing to trace the origin of contraband. Chennithala also announced planned reforms to the Station House Officer (SHO) system in Kerala police stations, based on a committee review and feedback from the public and police personnel.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.36 Arrested in Kochi as Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' Anti-Drug Drive
The Kochi City police arrested 36 individuals and registered 33 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on June 3, 2026, as part of the launch of 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a state-wide anti-drug initiative in Kerala, India. Raids were conducted at 90 locations in a single day. The largest seizure involved 437.28 grams of suspected MDMA from an apartment in Thrikkakara, leading to the arrest of three men from Palakkad, Kasaragod, and Kochi. Seven cases were also filed under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The operation, officially launched by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on June 2, includes strict surveillance of educational institutions, luxury hotels, and DJ venues. Inspector General (Intelligence) Putta Vimaladitya has been appointed as the state nodal officer for the project.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kerala Launches 'Operation Toofan' to Combat Growing Drug Menace
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan launched 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt,' a comprehensive anti-drug enforcement drive by the Kerala Police, on June 2, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram. The Chief Minister warned that an organized drug mafia poses a direct threat to the state's social progress and its youth, who represent a critical demographic dividend. He noted a link between synthetic drug abuse and increasingly violent crime. The operation is a joint mission involving the Police, Excise, Education, and Higher Education departments, along with local bodies, parents, teachers, and NGOs. Its strategy rests on two pillars: uncompromising enforcement to dismantle drug networks and supply chains, and widespread awareness programs. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced that Inspector General Putta Vimaladitya will serve as the state nodal officer. Special instructions were issued to track dark web trades, and a mobile app was launched for anonymous information sharing.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kerala Chief Minister to Launch Operation Toofan Anti-Drug Drive
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will launch Operation Toofan, a comprehensive anti-drug enforcement drive by the Kerala Police, on June 2 at a government school in Thiruvananthapuram. The initiative establishes a digitally enabled system to eliminate drug trafficking and rapidly collect information on drug use and distribution across the state. Key measures include a digital surveillance network with mobile apps and WhatsApp chatbots for anonymous reporting, wastewater testing in campuses and residential areas to identify drug hotspots, smart drone patrols, and a special anti-drug curriculum in schools. Assets acquired through drug trafficking will be confiscated. Strict action will target tobacco sales near schools and drug use at five-star hotels, DJ parties, and gatherings in backwater and coastal areas. Ahead of the launch, Thiruvananthapuram City police conducted raids seizing banned tobacco products and removing illegal bunk shops.
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