Thiruvananthapuram, June 23: Kerala’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced in the assembly on Tuesday that the state has intensified its crackdown on drug networks through ‘Operation Storm.’ So far, 2,954 cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 3,176 individuals.
The minister emphasized that the government aims to transform this campaign into a public movement against drug abuse. To achieve this, they have launched a large-scale initiative involving celebrities to engage the community in this fight.
Chennithala is personally reaching out to film stars, social and community leaders, church heads, and other prominent figures, inviting them to join as ‘Storm Warriors’ to raise awareness across the state and strengthen the campaign.
Notable figures such as superstar Mohanlal, veteran artist Madhu, and renowned filmmaker Shreekumaran Thampi have already joined the ‘Storm Warriors.’
He stated that special investigation teams have been deployed in all 84 police sub-divisions in Kerala for more effective action against drug trafficking. Chennithala warned that the drug situation in Kerala has reached alarming levels, with trends indicating that drug proliferation has surpassed that of Punjab.
He acknowledged that there is no illusion that Kerala can become drug-free overnight. Collective efforts, transcending political differences, are essential to combat this issue effectively. Only through unity can this problem be fully eradicated.
The minister noted that the campaign is receiving tremendous support from various sectors of society. He also highlighted the critical need for participation from families, educational institutions, and religious and community organizations. Strict measures are being implemented to curb the large-scale smuggling of drugs into Kerala from other states.
Emphasizing the growing scope of this issue, Chennithala pointed out that drug use is no longer confined to a specific demographic. The number of girls involved in substance abuse is also rising rapidly. In many instances, these cases come to light during bag searches.
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