Kerala to Expand Anti-Narcotics Drive as Minister Cites Drop in Drug Use

The Kerala government is preparing a detailed action plan to expand and strengthen Operation Toofan, the State's anti-narcotics campaign. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the move in Thrissur, stating that the initiative had been successfully carried out by the Kerala Police with strong public backing.

Details and New Drives

Mr. Chennithala stated that drug use in the State had dropped by 30%, while incidents of violence, murder, and law-and-order problems were also falling significantly. Women have emerged as some of the campaign's strongest supporters. Alongside this, the government is launching Operation Spa to target unauthorised spas allegedly linked to sexual exploitation. Following multiple complaints, police have carried out raids across the State, and officials are considering new laws to address the issue. Establishments that operate without licences, cheat customers, or exploit women and families will face strict legal action and immediate closure.

Road Safety and Crime Cases

Police have also cracked down on drunk driving, arresting nearly 10,000 people over two days. The Minister warned that individuals causing accidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs face severe penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, including the cancellation of their driving licences. In separate cases, Mr. Chennithala praised police personnel for using swift and scientific methods to track down the suspects in an Irinjalakuda murder within hours. He also addressed the reported death of a child due to malnutrition in the Haripad constituency, noting that local officials had been sent to inspect the site and submit a report.

Context

State-backed anti-drug campaigns in India often combine public awareness drives with increased policing to target local supply chains. Law enforcement agencies frequently use targeted multi-agency operations like Operation Toofan and special compliance raids to address public safety concerns ranging from substance abuse to illegal commercial establishments.