The Kerala government’s anti-drug initiative, ‘Operation Toofan: The Narcotic Hunt’, is transitioning into a broader social movement. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala revealed plans to involve frontline leaders and respected figures from various sectors in this campaign. Initially engaging superstar Mohanlal as a ‘Toofan Warrior’, the initiative now aims to collaborate with religious, social, and community leaders to establish a statewide network against narcotics.
Chennithala visited Kozhikode Markaz to confer the ‘Toofan Warrior’ badge upon Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar. Markaz has pledged its support to this cause. Notably, recent enforcement efforts have led to significant drug seizures, with over Rs 10 crore worth of narcotics confiscated under Operation Toofan. Chennithala emphasized the coordinated actions taken by authorities against the drug network.
The Home Minister highlighted the campaign’s evolution into a grassroots movement, with citizens actively sharing information about drug peddlers with law enforcement. Kerala is experiencing a shift from a culture of silence, driven by fear of drug syndicates, to a united societal stand against drugs. Several arrests have been made statewide in the last 17 days related to drug trafficking and consumption, including those of two foreign nationals.
Chennithala stressed the importance of influential personalities and organizations from diverse backgrounds in bolstering the campaign. This collective effort aims to transform citizens across Kerala into ‘Toofan Warriors’. Seeking the cooperation of religious institutions, particularly through mosques, to disseminate anti-drug messages, Chennithala received assurances of full support from Kanthapuram. Samasta Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama has also backed the campaign, with its president, Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, recognized as a ‘Toofan Warrior’.
The Home Minister reiterated that combating drug abuse is a shared responsibility. Active involvement of social and religious entities is crucial to giving impetus to the campaign and fostering a drug-free society in Kerala.
