Thiruvananthapuram, June 23 (IANS) Kerala has intensified its crackdown on drug networks through ‘Operation Toofan’, with 2,954 cases registered and 3,176 people arrested so far, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala informed the Assembly on Tuesday.

The Minister said the government was aiming to turn the campaign into a mass movement against drug abuse and had launched a wider social mobilisation drive by bringing prominent personalities into the fight.

As part of the initiative, Chennithala has been personally reaching out to film stars, social and community leaders, heads of Churches and other eminent personalities, enrolling them as ‘Toofan Warriors’ to spread awareness and strengthen the campaign across the state.

By now the ‘Toofan Warriors’ include superstar Mohanlal, thespian actor Madhu, veteran film personality Sreekumaran Thampi to name a few.

For more effective action against the narcotics trade, Special Investigation Teams have also been deployed across all 84 police sub-divisions in Kerala, he said.

Warning that the drug situation in Kerala had reached alarming levels, Chennithala said the state was witnessing a trend where the spread of narcotics was even surpassing that of Punjab.

“We do not have the illusion that Kerala can become drug-free in a single day. This requires collective efforts cutting across political differences. Only through a united fight can this menace be completely eliminated,” he said.

The Minister said the campaign had been receiving strong support from various sections of society, adding that the participation of families, educational institutions, religious and community organisations was crucial.

Chennithala also said strict measures were being taken to prevent large-scale inflow of narcotics into Kerala from other states.

Highlighting the growing reach of the menace, Chennithala said drug abuse was no longer confined to any particular section of society. Even girls were increasingly being found among users, he said.

“In several places, the issue comes to light only when bags are checked,” he added.

–IANS

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