Toofan 2 will focus on educational institutions, while Kerala keeps its borders under watch for drug inflows during Onam.
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to intensify its fight against the drug trade during the Onam season, with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala warning peddlers that Operation Toofan will come down harder on those attempting to exploit the festivities for illegal activities.
Chennithala said the ongoing anti-narcotics drive would be strengthened during Onam, while its second phase will be launched after the festival
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“The second wave of Operation Toofan will be launched after Onam, striking back with ten times the force,” he said in a video message posted on social media.
The minister credited Kerala's police and the public for the campaign's progress, particularly citizens who have provided information about drug-related activities.
“If the public was once afraid of the drug mafia, today the drug mafia is afraid of the public,” Chennithala said, claiming that the campaign had brought a significant change across the state over the past 74 days.
Borders on alert ahead of Onam
With Onam approaching, Chennithala urged people to remain vigilant and inform the police if they notice drug use or trafficking during the celebrations.
“We are maintaining strict vigilance at the borders against drug products that may attempt to enter Kerala targeting the Onam season,” he said.
He said recent arrests had helped bring drug networks in the state under increased police surveillance. Chennithala also warned political parties and other organisations against attempting to protect people accused of drug offences.
“Whether it is someone from my party or another party, coming with excuses like ‘he is my nephew’ or ‘she is my niece, please save them’ will be of no use when it comes to Operation Toofan,” he said, adding that offenders would face severe legal consequences.
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‘Toofan 2’ to target schools
Chennithala said “Toofan 2” would soon be launched with a special focus on educational institutions. Surveillance around schools will be strengthened to prevent children from being drawn into drug use.
“This surveillance system set up around schools will free our children from the trap of drugs,” the minister said, adding that Operation Toofan had become a model for anti-drug campaigns in other parts of the country.
According to Chennithala, the campaign has resulted in nearly 10,000 arrests, with an average of six people being arrested every hour in Kerala. He described Operation Toofan as the “largest narco-hunt ever conducted in the country.”
Crackdown alongside rehabilitation
The campaign will also include support for people seeking to overcome drug addiction. Chennithala said major hospitals across Kerala were prepared to provide “Toofan Care” to those seeking treatment.
The Indian Medical Association is also preparing a dedicated rehabilitation protocol for the programme, he said.
Chennithala said Operation Toofan would continue until the drug menace is eliminated and urged people to remain actively involved in the campaign. “When we unite and fight together, we can completely wipe out the drug mafia,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)
Published: 16 Aug 2026, 02:19 pm IST
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