Wayanad, Kerala: Minister for Home, Vigilance and Coir Ramesh Chennithala have declared that Operation Toofan will continue until the drug mafia is completely eradicated from Kerala. He was speaking after laying the foundation stones for the new buildings of the Mananthavady Police Station and Mananthavady Fire Station.
The Minister said Operation Toofan, launched on June 2, was a major initiative by the Kerala Police to protect the younger generation from drug abuse. He stressed that the fight against narcotics could not be won through police action alone and called for active public participation, particularly the support of parents and mothers.
Highlighting the achievements of the operation, the Minister stated that 15,742 people had been arrested and more than 13,500 cases registered in connection with drug-related offences. The KAAPA Act had been invoked against 60 individuals, while more than 45 people had been placed under preventive detention. Narcotics valued at approximately ₹200 crore had been seized and destroyed.
He further stated that, according to the Crime Records Bureau, crime rates in Kerala had declined by 35 per cent since the launch of Operation Toofan. The campaign had also received recognition, including appreciation from the union home minister. The government would establish a dedicated unit within the Kerala Police to address drug-related issues, on the lines of the existing Vigilance and Intelligence wings.
During the programme, badges were distributed to the Toofan Warriors in recognition of their role in the anti-drug campaign.
Road Safety Enforcement Strengthened
The Minister also highlighted measures taken by the Kerala Police to reduce road accidents. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against motorists driving under the influence of alcohol. A four-day statewide enforcement drive had resulted in the apprehension of 15,000 drunk drivers. Following complaints about intoxicated school bus drivers, inspections led to the arrest of 57 drivers. He also announced steps to curb excessive speeding by private buses.
Commending the Kerala Police, the Minister appreciated the force’s role in maintaining law and order, solving crimes and ensuring public safety. He praised police personnel at all levels, from constables to the Director General of Police, for their round-the-clock service and commitment to public welfare.
Mananthavady MLA Usha Vijayan presided over the function, while Minister for Agricultural Development T. Siddique delivered the keynote address.
The programme was attended by I.C. Balakrishnan MLA; Northern Range IG Putta Vimaladitya IPS; Kannur Range DIG K. Karthik IPS; District Police Chief S. Devamanohar IPS; Mananthavady ASP B. Karthik IPS; Kozhikode Regional Fire Officer P. Ranjith; Mananthavady Municipal Chairperson Jacob Sebastian; Mananthavady Block Panchayat President Meenakshi Raman; Edavaka Grama Panchayat President Girija Sudhakaran; Municipal Councillor P.K. Hamsa; and P.V. George, Chairperson of the Municipality’s Standing Committee on Development.
Police officials, public representatives, Student Police Cadets and members of the public also participated.
The Minister reiterated that Operation Toofan would remain a sustained campaign, supported by police action and public cooperation, to protect Kerala’s younger generation from the dangers of drug abuse.
