Ramesh Chennithala announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt' in KeralaTHIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday announced the launch of "Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt", a statewide campaign aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and tackling the growing narcotics menace in the state.Described by the home department as one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in south India, the campaign aims to strengthen legal action against drug trafficking organisations while building public participation against substance abuse.In a post on X, Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala said, “Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt. From today… Aimed at overhauling drug mafia in the state in coordination with Health and Excise departments, this operation is aimed at destroying the drug menace from its root. Need prayers and support for the initiative!”According to officials, the operation will focus on tackling the spread of synthetic drugs through technology-driven strategies and coordinated efforts between multiple government departments and police agencies across south Indian states.As part of the initiative, the government plans to establish a digital surveillance network, including mobile applications and WhatsApp chatbots, to enable anonymous public reporting of drug-related activities.Authorities also plan to use wastewater analysis in educational institutions and residential areas to identify drug-use hotspots, while drone-assisted smart patrolling will be introduced in vulnerable locations.The home department said the campaign would also include anti-drug awareness programmes through a special school curriculum and stricter action against drug mafias, including confiscation of assets linked to narcotics networks.Special measures are expected to target networks allegedly involving children in drug abuse. Drug users, traffickers, suppliers and promoters will be placed under surveillance, while Kerala Police will coordinate with law enforcement agencies in other states to combat inter-state drug syndicates.Officials also said monitoring would be intensified to curb the flow of chemical and synthetic narcotics and hybrid cannabis. The operation proposes strict action against tobacco sales near schools and against the use and distribution of narcotics in venues such as luxury hotels and DJ parties.The launch comes amid growing concerns over the rise in drug-related cases in Kerala. According to police data cited by ANI, 36,314 cases were registered under the NDPS Act in 2025, compared to 27,530 cases in 2024.NCRB data also showed Kerala recorded the highest number of NDPS cases in the country in 2023, with 30,697 cases registered.(With inputs from ANI)