Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala greets students at the Janasabha programme organised as part of Operation Toofan at St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has warned a section of delivery workers attached to food aggregators in major cities who are found supplying drugs along with food to stop the practice forthwith or face arrest.
He was speaking at the launch of the second phase of ‘Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt’ at the Assembly constituency level at St. Teresa’s College here on Thursday. Mr. Chennithala said there was intelligence report that a few delivery persons attached to food aggregators were engaged in the dubious act of supplying drugs along with food
Operation Toofan is being implemented in three parts: ‘Toofan Strike,’ aimed at bringing drug traders before the law; ‘Toofar Warriors,’ mobilising students and the public in the fight against drugs; and ‘Toofan Care’ to bring addicts back to life. Actor Mohanlal has volunteered to become the ambassador of ‘Toofan Warriors,’ said Mr. Chennithala.
Releasing the ‘Toofan Flag’, he said it symbolised the determination of students to become guardians of their campuses and keep them drug-free. The flag conveyed the message that people should never use drugs or become addicted to them.
A programme to facilitate ‘Active and Responsible Night Life’ without fear of drug mafias will be introduced in Kochi city. The District Police Chief (Kochi City) has been given directions in this regard. Steps have also been taken to prevent movement of drugs across borders.
“Today, Operation Toofan is a national model. The State government will adopt a ‘zero compromise’ approach against the international drug mafia, without political or other considerations. Kerala will not be allowed to turn into Colombia. There will be no place for drug dealers in Kerala. The countdown for the drug mafia has begun,” the Minister said.
He urged everyone to join hands to free Kerala from the grip of the drug mafia and protect future generations from the menace. Mr. Chennithala administered the Toofan pledge and distributed the Toofan Warrior badges.
Hibi Eden, MLA, delivered the keynote address. Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor presided. T.J. Vinod, MLA, Mayor V.K. Minimol, District Police Chief (Kochi City) S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, and St. Teresa’s College Principal Anu Joseph were among those present.
Published – June 25, 2026 08:15 pm IST