Kerala ropes in religious leaders as ‘Toofan Warriors’ to strengthen anti-narcotics drive

Kozhikode: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday announced that prominent Islamic scholars Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal and Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar have been designated as “Toofan Warriors” as part of the state’s anti-narcotics initiative, Operation Toofan.

Thangal, who serves as president of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, and Musliyar—also known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad and widely regarded as the Grand Mufti of India—are among several influential public figures being roped into the campaign to strengthen community participation against drug abuse.

Operation Toofan, launched by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government, is aimed at curbing the spread of narcotics across Kerala through a combination of enforcement, awareness, and rehabilitation measures. As part of the initiative, authorities are enrolling volunteers and prominent personalities as “Toofan Warriors” to broaden public engagement.

Chennithala visited the residences of both religious leaders and formally presented them with the “Toofan Warrior” badge, highlighting the importance of involving respected figures from across society in the anti-drugs drive.

Speaking to reporters, the Home Minister said the campaign seeks to build a united front against narcotics, cutting across political and social divisions. He added that on June 26, programmes would be organised in schools across all constituencies under the leadership of MLAs and MPs to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

As part of these observances, students will take anti-drug pledges and educational institutions will raise awareness flags, he said.

Chennithala also noted that the state has seized drugs and banned tobacco products worth over ₹15 crore so far under Operation Toofan, which has received significant public support. The government has allocated ₹10 crore for the campaign’s enforcement, awareness, and rehabilitation efforts.

He further stated that Kerala Police would continue the drive beyond its initial enforcement phase.

However, the minister cautioned that the campaign must not lead to harassment of innocent people. Referring to a recent incident in Kuttiyadi, where a man and woman were allegedly subjected to a public trial over drug-related accusations, he said authorities would investigate the matter and take action if required. Police have been instructed to ensure that individuals are not wrongly targeted in the course of the crackdown.