​Battling drug abuse, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Kerala is experiencing a significant surge in drug abuse, particularly involving synthetic drugs, among its youth.
• Drug cases in the state escalated from 5,695 in 2021 to 26,619 in 2022, and further to 36,314 in 2025.
• The UDF government launched Operation Toofan in June to combat this growing drug menace.
• By July 15, Operation Toofan had resulted in the arrest of over 7,600 drug peddlers across approximately 7,100 cases.
• The operation involves collaborative efforts between the State police, central agencies, and various State departments including education, health, and excise.

Detailed Insights:

• The rise in substance abuse became noticeable following a liquor ban implemented a decade ago, with synthetic drug cartels leveraging digital technologies.
• Ernakulam city has been identified as a significant hub for drug-related activities and seizures.
• Operation Toofan emphasizes integrated enforcement, public engagement, rehabilitation of victims, and efficient prosecution.
• The campaign aims to enhance national intelligence sharing and coordination through the NCORD framework.
• It also utilizes the NIDAAN database, which compiles information on arrested narco-offenders, to strengthen intelligence efforts.
• Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala is actively engaging with Chief Ministers of other states to foster inter-state cooperation in anti-drug operations.
• A key focus is on upskilling personnel of the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) and improving cyber forensic capabilities to dismantle drug networks.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Operation Toofan: An anti-drug enforcement initiative launched by the UDF government in Kerala to tackle drug trafficking and abuse.
• NCORD: A national coordination mechanism designed to facilitate intelligence sharing and collaboration among various anti-narcotics agencies.
• NIDAAN: A national integrated database that stores information on individuals arrested for narco-offenses, aiding in intelligence and investigation.
• DANSAF: District-level special action forces specifically tasked with conducting anti-narcotics operations.