Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Kerala Launches Second Phase of Statewide Anti-Drug Operation
Kerala has started the second part of a campaign called Operation Toofan to fight illegal drugs.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala launched it in Malappuram.
Officials say the first part reduced drug use by 20 to 30 percent.
Police filed more than 10,000 cases and arrested more than 11,000 people.
They also seized large amounts of MDMA and cannabis.
The new phase asks local communities to help prevent drug use.
People will join awareness groups, volunteer teams, and ward meetings.
A special investigation team will work on major drug cases connected to other states and countries.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala launched the second phase of Operation Toofan in Malappuram.
The first phase resulted in 10,918 cases and 11,776 arrests by September 18.
Authorities seized 23.925 kilograms of MDMA and 1,475 kilograms of cannabis during the first phase.
The new phase emphasizes local community participation through awareness committees, ward meetings, and volunteer groups.
A new Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team will handle major cases involving interstate and international links.
- Who
- Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, state authorities, local communities, and anti-narcotics investigators.
- What
- Kerala launched the second phase of Operation Toofan, a statewide anti-drug initiative focused on enforcement and public participation.
- When
- The second phase was launched on Monday; the first-phase figures were reported through September 18.
- Where
- The launch took place in Vengara, Malappuram, Kerala; the investigation team has units in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.
- Why
- The initiative aims to reduce drug use and strengthen community involvement in preventing the spread of drugs.
- Campaign
- Operation Toofan
- First-phase cases
- 10,918 cases filed by September 18
- First-phase arrests
- 11,776 people arrested by September 18
- Seized MDMA
- 23.925 kilograms
- Seized cannabis
- 1,475 kilograms
- Reported reduction
- Officials said drug use fell by 20 to 30 percent after the campaign began
- New investigation team
- Three units based in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode