Central agencies join Operation Toofan to intensify anti-drug crackdown in Kerala

Published 16 June 2026 · politics

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

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 brought together representatives from various enforcement agencies including Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Railway Protection Force, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Indian Customs, Indian Coast Guard and Marine Enforcement. Besides, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar would hold meetings with his counterparts in other States, particularly in South India, to intensify surveillance.

Chennithala pointed out that the primary objective of such efforts was to trace the sources of drugs and banned tobacco products entering Kerala from outside the State and to formulate coordinated strategies to intercept trafficking routes. “Drugs and banned tobacco products do not originate within Kerala’s borders. We discussed how to identify their sources, intercept supply chains and strengthen intelligence-based enforcement. Now, Kerala Police has a clearer understanding of the origins and routes through which such contraband are reaching the State,” he said. According to the Home Minister, Operation Toofan has already registered immense success within two weeks of its launch. Kerala Police have seized narcotics and banned tobacco products worth over ₹10 crore during the ongoing operation.

As many as 2,575 cases have been registered and 2,778 people arrested thus far. The drive has led to the confiscation of 1.589 kg of MDMA, 146.459 kg of ganja, 464.045 g of hashish oil, 350.439 g of brown sugar, 11 LSD stamps and 141 cannabis plants. Three components The operation, Mr. Chennithala elaborated, is designed around three focal points. The ‘Toofan Strikes’ component would focus on direct enforcement actions, raids, inspections, arrests and seizures led by Kerala Police, while ‘Toofan Warriors’ is aimed at propagating mass awareness and volunteer movement aimed at mobilising students, Student Police Cadets, youth and influential members of society as ambassadors against drug abuse. The third component, ‘Toofan Care’ involves a rehabilitation initiative focused on treatment, counselling and reintegration of people affected by addiction and withdrawal symptoms.