Kerala's Operation Toofan Crosses 10,000 Arrests; 1,004 kg Ganja Seized

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced on Friday that the number of arrests under Operation Toofan, Kerala's Statewide anti-narcotics drive, has crossed the 10,000 mark. The Minister shared the information through a post on his official Facebook account, citing data from the Kerala Police.

Operation Toofan, billed as a storm against drugs, was launched in June this year with the aim of dismantling drug networks operating in the state. The initiative brings together various police units and leverages intelligence-based enforcement to target both suppliers and distributors.

According to the data shared by Mr. Chennithala, 9,280 cases have been registered under the operation so far, and 10,015 individuals have been arrested. This works out to an average of six arrests every hour during the drive. The police have also seized 1,004 kg of ganja and 8.28 kg of MDMA, which is a significant quantity of illegal drugs.

The Home Minister said the results reflect the intensified crackdown on narcotics. "We have taken up a major fight. The availability of drugs in the State has decreased," he stated, adding that the operation has disrupted the supply chain and reduced the prevalence of drugs on the streets.

Mr. Chennithala described Operation Toofan as a model of a people's fight against evil, asserting that the collaboration between citizens and law enforcement could serve as an example for the rest of the country. He emphasised that the success of the drive depends on continued public cooperation and vigilance.

Ahead of the Onam festival, Mr. Chennithala cautioned the public against allowing drug smuggling to resume under the cover of celebrations. "We should not allow drugs to flow under the guise of Onam celebrations. The Toofan special drive is strong to ensure a safe Onam season," he said.

He also appreciated the public's participation, which he said has turned the operation into a people's movement. "I salute this land that has developed Operation Toofan into a people's movement. I assure you that the fight will continue without compromise," the Minister added.

The drive has drawn attention for its scale and the involvement of the community. During the period of the operation, police have conducted numerous raids, checkposts, and awareness campaigns. Officials indicate that such sustained pressure is essential to countering drug abuse, especially among younger populations.

As the state prepares for the festival season, the police have announced that special surveillance and checking will be intensified at entry points and border areas to prevent any resurgence of drug inflow. The Home Minister's statement reinforces the government's commitment to keeping Kerala drug-free.