Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is preparing for a major crackdown on drug networks as senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala announced a wide ranging plan to strengthen policing and improve public trust in police stations across the state. The new campaign, named Operation Toofan The Narco Hunt, is expected to begin on June 1 and will focus on eliminating organised drug mafias and preventing the spread of narcotics among young people.
The announcement came after a high level review meeting held with senior police officials in Thiruvananthapuram. Chennithala said the state cannot remain silent while drug abuse continues to affect families, schools, and communities. He warned that narcotics have become one of the biggest social threats facing Kerala and said strong and coordinated action is now necessary.
According to the plan, all police stations in Kerala will gradually be transformed into public service centres where ordinary people can approach officers without fear or hesitation. Chennithala said many people still see police stations as intimidating spaces and stressed that the atmosphere inside stations must become more friendly and approachable.
He said the government wants every police station to function as a place where citizens receive quick assistance, proper guidance, and respectful treatment. Officials have also been instructed to improve cleanliness, accessibility, and transparency inside station premises.
As part of the reforms, old and abandoned vehicles that have remained parked for years in police compounds will be removed. Authorities believe that clearing such spaces and improving infrastructure will help create a better public image for the police force.
The anti drug operation will involve several wings of the Kerala Police working together to identify suppliers, traffickers, and organised criminal groups involved in the narcotics trade. Police officials are expected to intensify inspections, surveillance, and intelligence gathering in districts where drug related crimes have increased in recent years.
The government is especially concerned about the growing use of synthetic drugs among young people. Officials said schools, colleges, and residential areas have increasingly become targets for illegal drug distribution networks. Operation Toofan aims not only to arrest offenders but also to break the larger chains behind the trade.
Chennithala also announced stricter action against crimes involving women and children. He said police officers will receive better training to handle sensitive complaints and respond more effectively to cases involving abuse, harassment, and violence.
The Janamaithri policing programme, which encourages closer cooperation between the police and local communities, will also be strengthened. Authorities believe stronger community participation can help identify criminal activity early and improve public confidence in law enforcement.
Another key area of reform is police training. The existing training syllabus will be updated to prepare officers for modern challenges such as cybercrime, online fraud, and digital investigations. Experts say cyber offences have increased sharply in Kerala in recent years, making technological training essential for the police force.
Traffic safety measures are also expected to become more technology driven. Officials indicated that advanced monitoring systems and digital tools may be introduced to reduce accidents and improve road safety enforcement.
The announcements have drawn attention across Kerala, with many people welcoming the promise of stronger action against narcotics and a more people friendly police system. Political observers believe the success of Operation Toofan could play an important role in shaping public opinion about law enforcement reforms in the state over the coming months.