Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday warned the state Assembly that the drug menace in Kerala had reached alarming levels, with the spread of narcotics reportedly surpassing even that of Punjab — long considered India's most drug-affected state. The warning came as he briefed legislators on Operation Toofan, the state's intensified crackdown on drug networks, which has so far resulted in 2,954 cases registered and 3,176 people arrested.

Operation Toofan: Scale of the Crackdown

Launched as a targeted anti-narcotics drive, Operation Toofan has seen Special Investigation Teams (SITs) deployed across all 84 police sub-divisions in Kerala. Chennithala said the government was now working to transform the campaign from a law-enforcement exercise into a broader mass movement against drug abuse. Strict measures are also being taken to prevent large-scale inflow of narcotics into Kerala from other states.

Toofan Warriors: Celebrities Join the Fight

As part of a wider social mobilisation drive, Chennithala has personally reached out to prominent personalities across film, religion, and civil society, enrolling them as 'Toofan Warriors' to amplify awareness. Notable figures who have joined include superstar Mohanlal, veteran actor Madhu, and film personality Sreekumaran Thampi. Heads of churches and other community leaders have also been brought into the fold.

A Menace Without Boundaries

Chennithala flagged a disturbing shift in the profile of drug users, noting that abuse was no longer confined to any particular section of society. Girls were increasingly being found among users, he said, adding that in several places the issue came to light only when bags were checked. The minister stressed that families, educational institutions, religious organisations, and community groups all had a crucial role to play in the fight.

What the Government Said

'We do not have the illusion that Kerala can become drug-free in a single day. This requires collective efforts cutting across political differences. Only through a united fight can this menace be completely eliminated,' Chennithala said in the Assembly. He noted that the campaign had been receiving strong support from various sections of society, underlining that political consensus — not just policing — was essential to eradicating the problem.

What Comes Next

With SITs now operational in every police sub-division and a growing network of Toofan Warriors spanning civil society, the government appears to be doubling down on both enforcement and outreach. Whether the scale of mobilisation translates into a measurable reduction in drug prevalence will be the key test for Operation Toofan in the months ahead.