Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 18 (IANS) The Kerala government is taking its anti-drug campaign Operation Toofan to the ward level, while setting up a specialised investigation team to go after high-value narcotics networks with inter-state and international links, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced on Friday.
Home Minister Chennithala said an Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team has begun functioning.
The team, headed by Toofan nodal officer and North IG Putt Vimaladitya, will have three units based in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.
Each unit will comprise 10 police personnel, including a DySP, two Circle Inspectors, two Sub-Inspectors, and other officers.
The specialised teams will focus on high-value drug trafficking cases and networks with links outside Kerala and abroad.
The government said the move was aimed at making investigations more scientific, focused and coordinated, particularly in cases involving major suppliers and sources.
At the other end of the campaign, the government will establish Toofan Jana Jagratha Samitis at ward level in association with the Local Self-Government Department.
The committees will involve elected representatives, Kudumbashree members, ASHA workers, Haritha Karma Sena, youth organisations and other community groups.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the state-level launch of the ward-level initiative at Vengara in Malappuram on September 28.
Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty will preside.
The second phase will also shift greater emphasis towards reducing demand and rehabilitation, besides continuing the crackdown on supply.
Under Toofan Care, around 35 major hospitals have expressed willingness to join the programme, while a rehabilitation protocol will be implemented with the Indian Medical Association.
A Toofan app is also being developed to enable people caught in drug abuse to seek help and speak openly about their problems.
Amrita University’s IT division is providing technical support.
Chennithala said Operation Toofan had brought down drug supplies to Kerala by 20 to 30 per cent, according to the government’s assessment.
The operation, he said, had now moved beyond distributors and was reaching the sources of supply.
Those who provided financial assistance to the accused for purchasing drugs will also face action, Chennithala said, indicating that the investigation would extend beyond the immediate drug suppliers to the financial network supporting the trade.
–IANS
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