₹10 Crore Drug Haul, 2,778 Arrested As Operation Toofan Intensifies In Kerala

Kerala’s statewide anti-narcotics drive ‘Operation Toofan’ has led to the seizure of drugs and banned tobacco products worth over ₹10 crore and the arrest of 2,778 people in the first 15 days, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Tuesday.

So far, 2,575 cases have been registered under the coordinated operation conducted by the Kerala Police and Excise Department , along with support from Health, Education and other agencies. The crackdown targets both supply chains and street-level distribution networks.

Authorities seized various narcotics including MDMA, ganja, hashish oil, brown sugar, LSD stamps , along with banned tobacco products. Officials estimate the international market value of the seized substances at over ₹10 crore .

Of the total cases, 838 involved small quantities , 78 medium quantity cases , and 24 commercial quantity cases , indicating a wide spread of offences across different levels of trafficking.

The government has decided to further intensify the operation with support from central agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB), RPF, Central Narcotics Bureau, DRI, Customs and Marine Enforcement . Officials said intelligence inputs have already identified key trafficking routes into Kerala.

A multi-agency digital integrated system is also being planned to strengthen scientific investigation and tracking of drug networks. The campaign will use modern technology to dismantle organised narcotics supply chains.

Film actor Mohanlal has also joined the awareness initiative as part of the ‘Toofan Warriors’ campaign , aimed at boosting public participation.

The government said the crackdown will continue until the drug mafia networks are fully dismantled .