Operation Toofan: Kerala and Tamil Nadu unite to strengthen anti-drug drive
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Chennai on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) to seek support for Kerala's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan. The meeting, which lasted over 30 minutes, focused on enhancing inter-state cooperation to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
Following the discussions, Mr. Chennithala told mediapersons that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister extended support for Kerala's ongoing enforcement drive. Mr. Vijay agreed to increase police deployment along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and improve intelligence sharing between the two states to crack down on drug-trafficking networks.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also convened a meeting with senior police officers and government secretaries, during which directions were issued to further strengthen Operation Toofan through coordinated surveillance and closer cooperation with the Kerala Police. Special surveillance will be intensified at airports, railway stations, trains, boats, and other transit points to identify and eliminate drug supply routes.
“The atmosphere was very positive. The (Tamil Nadu) Chief Minister has assured us of his complete support in this fight against drugs,” Mr. Chennithala said.
The Home Minister also announced plans to organise a major anti-drug awareness programme in Ernakulam with the participation of Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Mr. Vijay, and actor Mohanlal, who serves as the brand ambassador of the campaign. Mr. Chennithala noted that both Mr. Vijay and Mr. Mohanlal had shared screen space in the Tamil film Jilla. He invited Mr. Vijay to Kerala, and the latter accepted the invitation.
Earlier, Mr. Chennithala said Operation Toofan has been “highly successful,” claiming that over 7,000 people have been arrested for alleged drug use and trafficking so far. He praised the Tamil Nadu government's efforts against drug abuse, stating that the state's initiatives have been commendable. “He (Mr. Vijay) has done so much for the people over the last month or so. I believe the people are happy with his efforts. There is no corruption, and the government is very transparent. I am confident this will continue under his leadership and that the State will prosper,” Mr. Chennithala said.
