Ramesh Chennithala, Minister of Home & Vigilance of Kerala
| Photo Credit: R.K.Nithin
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday said the State government would pursue its anti-drug campaign, ‘Operation Toofan’, with determination until narcotics networks were completely dismantled. He was inaugurating ‘Carmel Unites for Operation Toofan’, a year-long anti-drug campaign at Carmel Higher Secondary School, Chalakudy. He also launched ‘Carmel Warriors’, a student-led anti-drug short film initiative.Describing Operation Toofan as one of the government’s flagship initiatives, Mr. Chennithala said the campaign was a “war against the merchants of death” who were attempting to lure the younger generation into drug addiction. At a time when drug cartels were trying to expand their reach globally, the government was committed to protecting Kerala’s youth from the menace, he said.Collective actionThe Minister urged students to take pledges to never to use narcotic substances. He called for collective action by society to prevent children from falling prey to drug traffickers and warned that those supplying narcotics to youngsters would be arrested and brought to justice. A signature campaign expected to involve more than 10,000 participants was also launched as part of the programme.The event was presided over by Fr. Franco Chittilappilly, CMI, Manager of Carmel Higher Secondary School. Sanish Kumar Joseph, MLA, delivered the keynote address, while Assistant Excise Inspector K.K. Raju led an awareness session. A skit by the Scouts and Guides and a street play by the NSS volunteers highlighted the anti-drug message.Benny Behanan, MP, Chalakudy municipal chairperson Alice Shibu, Thrissur Rural District Police Chief Mohammed Nadeemuddin and Principal Fr. Benny Pengiparambil, CMI, were among those present. Published - July 11, 2026 08:43 pm IST
