Operation Toofan

Operation Toofan – The Narco Hunt

Operation Toofan (The Narco Hunt) is a powerful anti-drug campaign jointly conducted by the Home Department, Kerala Police and Excise Department against drug mafias and the spread of narcotic substances in Kerala. The project was officially launched on June 2, 2026, under the leadership of the UDF Government. It is one of the first major initiatives of the government headed by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan.

The major details of the mission are given below:

Objectives

  • Dismantling Drug Networks: To completely eliminate drug distribution networks operating in the state and their sources.
  • Preventing Synthetic Drugs: To prevent the spread of destructive synthetic drugs such as MDMA.
  • Protecting Educational Institutions: To strictly prevent the sale of drugs in and around schools and colleges.
  • Awareness and Rehabilitation: To ensure counselling and treatment for people addicted to drugs.

Implementation and Monitoring

  • The project is being implemented under the direct supervision of Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. Inspector General (Intelligence) Putta Vimaladitya has been appointed as the State Nodal Officer of the project. With the assistance of the Cyber Cell, the police are also monitoring drug transactions conducted through the Dark Web.
  • Prominent personalities, including actor Mohanlal and Samastha President Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, have also been brought together as “Toofan Warriors” to ensure greater public participation.

Operation Toofan 2.0 – “Toofan Thaddesham”

  • After 117 days of the launch of the project, the second phase, “Operation Toofan 2.0” (Toofan Thaddesham), was inaugurated by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala at Vengara, Malappuram, on Monday, September 28, 2026.
  • Taking the Campaign to the Wards: The main objective of the second phase is to extend the anti-drug campaign to every local-government ward.
  • Janajagratha Samithis: With the cooperation of Kudumbashree and Residents’ Associations, “Toofan Committees” or Janajagratha Samithis (Public Awareness Committees) will be formed in the wards.
  • Toofan Care & Mentor: A treatment system called “Toofan Care” is being introduced for de-addiction and rehabilitation. Selected officials from each police station will also be provided with “Toofan Mentor” training.

Major Achievements So Far – September 2026

  • The Home Department states that drug use and trafficking in the state have declined by around 30 percent since the launch of the project.
  • So far, more than 11,677 cases have been registered and more than 12,584 people have been arrested.
  • More than 24 kilograms of MDMA, over 1,500 kilograms of cannabis, along with hashish oil, heroin and other narcotic substances worth crores of rupees have been seized.
  • Kerala Police have provided the phone numbers 94979 79794 and 94979 27797, and the WhatsApp number 99959 66666, for the public to confidentially provide information regarding drug-related activities. The identity of those providing information will be kept confidential.

Let Us Say No to Drugs

Let us protect our younger generation.
Let us fight together against drugs.
Let us strengthen people's collective efforts to build a drug-free society.

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