# Kerala anti-drug campaign Operation Toofan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-anti-drug-campaign-operation-toofan
> Updated: 2026-09-05T17:22:23.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The Kerala government is conducting ‘Operation Toofan,’ an intensive anti-drug campaign aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks. The initial phase of the operation, which began in June, resulted in nearly 10,000 arrests and over 1,000 individuals being remanded to judicial custody. This surge in enforcement has caused significant overcrowding in state prisons, with facilities such as the Poojappura central prison operating well beyond their intended capacities.

Following the initial enforcement efforts, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced a second phase of the operation. This upcoming stage, scheduled to begin in late September, will shift focus toward grassroots-level awareness and community involvement. The government plans to utilize local governance and panchayats to conduct door-to-door engagement to educate the public on the dangers of drug consumption.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Kerala launches second phase of ‘Operation Toofan’ anti-drug drive

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the second phase of ‘Operation Toofan,’ shifting the anti-drug campaign toward grassroots awareness and door-to-door community outreach.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-launches-second-phase-of-operation-toofan-anti-drug-drive

### 2026-08-16: Kerala intensifies Operation Toofan drug crackdown

Kerala is ramping up Operation Toofan, an anti-drug campaign, ahead of Onam, leading to nearly 10,000 arrests and significant overcrowding in state prisons.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kerala-intensifies-operation-toofan-drug-crackdown

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Cite as: Kerala anti-drug campaign Operation Toofan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kerala-anti-drug-campaign-operation-toofan