Kozhikode (Keralam), Aug 31 (PTI) The Kerala police has initiated efforts to compile a list of foreign-based fugitives and wanted drug suppliers and is working with central agencies to apprehend them, Inspector General Putta Vimaladithya, nodal officer of anti-narcotics drive ‘Operation Toofan’, said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters about the operation, Vimaladithya said the police were investigating possible international supply links, including those involving Afghanistan, Oman and Thailand.
“We are aware of past instances where illicit substances arrived via Oman from Afghanistan. Similarly, there are supply sources originating from Thailand. We are thoroughly verifying these links,” he said.
“We have initiated efforts to compile a list of foreign-based fugitives and wanted individuals to apprehend them with the assistance of central agencies. There is steady progress on that front,” he said.
As part of Operation Toofan, police have registered 165 cases involving commercial quantities and 395 cases involving intermediate quantities of narcotics, he said.
Around 10,100 people have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act so far, while preventive action has also been initiated against several people under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, he said.
Vimaladithya said tracing the source of drugs was a major focus of the operation.
“In 32 specific cases, beyond those caught directly at the time of detection, we succeeded in identifying and arresting key sources—including financial backers and individuals acting as carriers,” he said.
He said the second component of the initiative, ‘Toofan Warriors’, had received strong public participation, with lakhs of people taking a pledge to join the campaign.
“We have received over 10,000 phone calls, demonstrating strong public participation. Citizens are informing us about local issues they observe, and the police are taking appropriate action based on these tips,” he said.
The third component, ‘Toofan Care’, is being implemented in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), with committees formed in every district, he said.
Two or three preliminary meetings had already been held in the districts and counselling and rehabilitation programmes would be rolled out under the initiative in the coming month, Vimaladithya said.
The police were also planning to organise a marathon and other events as part of the campaign, he said.
On the arrest of two Youth Congress workers with MDMA in Kasaragod and allegations by the opposition that the investigation was inadequate, Vimaladithya said 140 grams of MDMA had been seized in the case registered at Chandera Police Station.
Earlier, Chief Minister VD Satheesan had said that he knew both arrested persons but was unaware of their drug peddling activities.
“That specific case, registered at Chandera Police Station, involved the seizure of 140 grams of MDMA. There has been good progress in that case. Efforts are underway to arrest key individuals who played major roles in the operation,” the officer said.
Detailed information would be officially shared by the Kasaragod District Police Chief, he added.
Meanwhile, DYFI state secretary and MLA M Vijin, in a press conference, alleged that the police were protecting the two Youth Congress workers arrested in Kasaragod.
He alleged that the arrested persons were close associates of Satheesan and claimed that no further steps had been taken in the case.
“No further steps have been taken in the case. No investigation is taking place. Why is an investigation based on the phone call of the accused person not being conducted to prevent links of the accused with the Keralam Chief Minister from being exposed?” he asked.
Vijin said the DYFI had initially supported Operation Toofan but had now lost faith in the campaign, alleging that it was being used to protect Congress workers involved in drug peddling.
He announced that the DYFI would hold protests at the State Police Chief’s office in Thiruvananthapuram and the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Kanhangad on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala urged political parties and social organisations to cooperate with Operation Toofan, saying there should be no politics in the anti-narcotics campaign.
“My friend, there is no politics in this. Whether a Youth Congress member is caught or a DYFI member is caught, the treatment is the same,” he said.
“When such elements exist in society, politicians from various parties might be behind them. There is no politics in this. Please do not mix politics into it. It is for the salvation of our land,” Chennithala said.
He said political parties and Muslim, Christian and Hindu organisations across Keralam were cooperating with the operation.
“We must avoid petty politics here and stand together—because an international drug lobby is trying to tighten its grip on Keralam. It is our children and grandchildren who are falling victim to this without our knowledge,” he said.
Chennithala urged everyone to support Operation Toofan and said women and families were playing an important role in the campaign by providing information to the authorities. PTI TBA TBA ROH
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