Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has described Operation Toofan as the largest anti-narcotics crackdown in the state’s history, saying the campaign is aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks operating across Kerala.
Addressing the media, the minister said that Punjab was once considered the centre of the drug trade in India, but Kerala has now emerged as a major concern. He stressed that the government is committed to eliminating drug mafias from the state.
As part of Operation Toofan, police have so far arrested more than 5,000 people and registered over 4,000 cases in raids conducted across Kerala.
The minister also said that arrests had been made at a sweet manufacturing unit in Kasaragod that allegedly used narcotic substances in its products. He warned that those involved in targeting schoolchildren and attempting to lure them into drug addiction at a young age would face stringent action, including detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
