Kozhikode, June 20 (IANS) The Kerala government’s anti-drug drive, ‘Operation Toofan: The Narcotic Hunt’, is being expanded into a wider social movement, with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announcing plans to bring frontline leaders and respected personalities from all sections of society into the campaign.

The initiative, which first roped in superstar Mohanlal as a ‘Toofan Warrior’, is now reaching out to religious, social and community leaders to create a statewide network against narcotics.

As part of this effort, Chennithala visited Kozhikode Markaz and presented the ‘Toofan Warrior’ badge to Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, with Markaz extending its support to the campaign.

Chennithala said sustained action by enforcement agencies in recent weeks had resulted in major seizures, with drugs worth more than Rs 10 crore already being confiscated under Operation Toofan.

“Over the past few weeks, there has been a coordinated effort by the authorities against the drug network. The seizures made so far, including narcotics worth over Rs 10 crore, show the scale of the action being taken,” he said.

The Home Minister said the campaign was now evolving into a people’s movement, with citizens coming forward to share information about drug peddlers with the police.

He said Kerala was witnessing a shift from a situation where people remained silent due to fear of drug gangs to one where society itself was joining the fight.

Numerous arrests have been made across the state in the last 17 days in connection with drug sales and consumption, including those of two foreign nationals, he added.

He said the support of influential personalities and organisations from different walks of life would strengthen the campaign and help transform citizens across Kerala into ‘Toofan Warriors’.

Chennithala also sought the support of religious institutions to spread anti-drug messages, particularly through mosques across the state.

Kanthapuram assured full support for the government’s mission.

Earlier, Samasta Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama had also extended its support to the campaign, with its president, Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, receiving the ‘Toofan Warrior’ badge.

The Home Minister said combating the drug menace was a collective responsibility and that the active participation of social and religious organisations would give greater momentum to the campaign.

–IANS

sg/pgh