Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday announced a comprehensive statewide anti-drug campaign titled ‘Operation Tuvan: Drug Hunt’, aimed at eliminating drug gangs and curbing the spread of drugs across the state.
The minister announced the initiative after chairing his first high-level meeting of senior police officers at the police headquarters here.
Chennithala said that the special campaign will start from June 1, coinciding with the reopening of schools after the summer vacation, and will focus on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions.
He warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in selling tobacco products and narcotic substances near school buildings.
Describing drugs, especially synthetic drugs, as a growing threat in Kerala, he said the police would launch a massive operation in the coming days to root out the drug menace from the state.
“All persons associated with drug activities will be placed under police surveillance,” he added.
The minister said the campaign will specifically target synthetic drug supply chains and repeat offenders through intelligence and data-driven enforcement actions with the support of police forces in other states.
He asked for the support of the media and the general public in efforts to rein in the drug mafia, and said lawbreakers and those who challenge the system will not be tolerated.
Chennithala also announced a series of reforms aimed at improving police performance and public access to police stations across Kerala.
He said that all the 484 police stations in the state will undergo a major transformation and will be converted into people-friendly public service centres.
Visitors arriving at police stations will be courteously received and mechanisms will be introduced to ensure complaints are heard fairly and sensitively.
Chennithala also directed steps to maintain cleanliness in police stations and said action would be initiated under the Police Act to remove long-abandoned and seized vehicles lying on the station premises.
The minister said that changes will also be introduced in the performance and behavior of police personnel to improve efficiency and overall interaction.
Chennithala further said that strong measures will be taken in cases involving crimes against women and children, while the Janamaythri policing initiative will be strengthened.
He said that technology will be used more effectively to reduce traffic accidents and combat cybercrime.
He added that the police training curriculum would also be reviewed as part of broader modernization efforts.
The Minister said that a five-member committee has been appointed to study proposals related to enhancing officer-level presence in police stations, including proposals regarding deployment in relation to assistant inspectors, district inspectors and deputy inspectors of police.
The Interior Minister added that further measures will be taken based on the committee’s recommendations.
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