Overseas drug links under Kerala Police scanner, says IG

The Kerala Police are expanding their anti-narcotics campaign, Operation Toofan, to target fugitive drug suppliers operating from overseas, Inspector General (IG) Putta Vimaladitya announced on August 31. The initiative includes compiling a database of international suspects linked to drug trafficking networks, with coordination from central investigating agencies to trace and extradite those wanted in narcotics cases.

Speaking to reporters, IG Vimaladitya confirmed that investigators are probing suspected international supply chains, with Afghanistan, Oman, and Thailand identified as key locations in these networks. The operation has already led to significant enforcement action within Kerala, with 165 cases registered involving commercial quantities of narcotic substances and 395 cases involving intermediate quantities. Nearly 10,100 individuals have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to the officer.

A major focus of Operation Toofan is disrupting the entire supply chain rather than merely targeting street-level offenders. Police have initiated preventive detention proceedings under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against several suspects. Investigations into 32 cases have reportedly uncovered alleged financiers and carriers involved in the trade, signaling a shift toward dismantling the structural backbone of narcotics networks.

Public cooperation has played a crucial role in the campaign’s progress. IG Vimaladitya revealed that over 10,000 information calls have been received from residents reporting suspected drug-related activities in their localities. These inputs are being actively reviewed, with appropriate legal action taken where necessary.

Looking ahead, the Kerala Police plan to launch counseling and rehabilitation programs next month to support individuals affected by substance abuse. The initiative underscores the state’s dual approach of enforcement and intervention in combating the drug menace.

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