Thiruvananthapuram: As part of efforts to intensify “Operation Toofan,” the Kerala Government’s statewide campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has written to the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry seeking stronger inter-state cooperation.
In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted that Kerala has strengthened intelligence-based enforcement measures under Operation Toofan, targeting drug trafficking networks, dismantling their financial channels and confiscating illegally acquired assets.
He noted that drug trafficking syndicates often operate across multiple states, making coordinated action between neighbouring states and Union Territories essential. Border regions, major transport corridors, tourist destinations, student networks and urban distribution centres shared by Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by drug mafias, he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Kerala Police has successfully arrested several interstate and international drug traffickers in recent years. However, tackling such organised networks effectively requires real-time intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated planning among states.
To strengthen cooperation, he proposed convening a high-level meeting of senior officials from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to formulate a joint action plan against interstate drug trafficking.
The Chief Minister also stated that Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar and Tactical Commander Putta Vikramaditya are prepared to hold discussions with police chiefs and senior home department officials from the neighbouring states to advance collaborative anti-drug measures.
