Keralam launches second phase of anti-drug drive Operation Toofan

Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has called for collective action to keep the drug mafia away from society as the State government launched the second phase of its anti-drug campaign Operation Toofan on Monday (September 28, 2026).

The Toofan Janajagratha Samithi was launched at Malabar Arts and Science College at Vengara, Malappuram. The second phase will focus on strengthening public participation through local bodies to prevent drug use and its spread.

Mr. Chennithala said the participation of women had contributed to the success of the first phase. He said mothers could identify changes in their children early.

The Minister said drug use in Keralam had declined up to 30% since the launch of Operation Toofan, attributing the reduction to police action within and outside the State. He also praised the Malappuram district police for seizing 13 kg of MDMA at Coimbatore based on information received from Manjeri.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announcing the launch of the second phase of Operation Toofan at Vengara near Malappuram on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

He said the campaign had also gained the trust of the public and that the government had acted against offenders without discrimination.

Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty presided over the function. Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji, P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP, and MLAs Abid Husain Thangal, Kurukkoli Moideen, Manjalamkuzhi Ali, V.S. Joy and P.K. Navas, and senior police and government officials were among those who attended.

Mr. Chennithala declared all those present at the event as ‘Toofan warriors’ and presented Toofan badges to grama panchayat presidents.