Operation Toofan Gains Momentum Ahead of Onam
As the state of Kerala prepares to celebrate the vibrant harvest festival of Onam, the government has intensified its efforts to combat the rising menace of drug trade in the state. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has vowed to take the fight to the next level, warning drug peddlers that Operation Toofan will be “10 times” stronger in its second phase.
A New Wave of Crackdown
The ongoing anti-narcotics drive, which has been in progress for 74 days, is set to reach new heights during Onam. Chennithala has credited the public and the police for the campaign’s progress, saying that the public’s involvement has brought about a significant change in the state. “If the public was once afraid of the drug mafia, today the drug mafia is afraid of the public,” he said in a video message.
Second Phase of Operation Toofan
The second phase of Operation Toofan, dubbed “Toofan 2,” will focus on educational institutions, with a special emphasis on preventing children from being drawn into drug use. Surveillance around schools will be strengthened, and the campaign will also include support for people seeking to overcome drug addiction. Chennithala said major hospitals across Kerala are prepared to provide “Toofan Care” to those seeking treatment.
Battling the Drug Menace
Operation Toofan has already made significant strides, with nearly 10,000 arrests and an average of six people being arrested every hour in Kerala. Chennithala described the campaign as the “largest narco-hunt ever conducted in the country.” The Indian Medical Association is also preparing a dedicated rehabilitation protocol for the programme.
A Warning to Drug Peddlers
Chennithala has warned drug peddlers that they will face severe consequences if they attempt to exploit the Onam festivities for illicit activities. “Whether it is someone from my party or another party, coming with excuses like ‘he is my nephew’ or ‘she is my niece, please save them’ will be of no use when it comes to Operation Toofan,” he said.
Onam Season: A Time for Vigilance
As the state prepares to celebrate Onam, Chennithala has urged people to remain vigilant and inform the police if they notice drug use or trafficking during the celebrations. “We are maintaining strict vigilance at the borders against drug products that may attempt to enter Kerala targeting the Onam season,” he said.
A Model for Anti-Drug Campaigns
Operation Toofan has become a model for anti-drug campaigns in other parts of the country, and Chennithala is confident that the campaign will continue to make significant strides in the coming days. “When we unite and fight together, we can completely wipe out the drug mafia,” he said.
A New Era of Rehabilitation
The campaign will also include support for people seeking to overcome drug addiction. Chennithala said the Indian Medical Association is preparing a dedicated rehabilitation protocol for the programme, and major hospitals across Kerala are prepared to provide “Toofan Care” to those seeking treatment.