'Punishment for drug dealers is not in hell, right here': HM launches ‘Operation Toofan Jagran’

KOCHI: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala inaugurated the Toofan Jagran rally as part of the work to make Perumbavoor, a hub for people from other states, drug-free. The new campaign begins today, a month after the launch of Operation Toofan. The home department has launched a special programme in the area following reports that drug use is increasing in Perumbavoor and surrounding areas. Benny Behanan MP, State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar, and North Zone IG Putta Vimaladitya were also part of the rally.

The new move by the home department comes in the wake of the use of synthetic drugs among the migrants. Despite the rains, a large crowd, including locals and school students, participated in the rally. The Toofan Jagran rally began after the minister took the anti-drug pledge. After the rally, Chennithala spoke at the public meeting in Perumbavoor.

The home minister said the task undertaken is the most difficult and that the police alone cannot do anything against drugs. Therefore, the full support of the people is needed. Malayalees also have a role in the spread of drugs in Perumbavoor. The punishment for drug dealers will not be in hell after death, but here on earth. Perumbavoor must shed its notorious reputation as a hub for drug abuse. Chennithala warned that those who do not stop selling drugs will end up in handcuffs.

The home minister himself is leading the Toofan Jagaran rally in a situation where locals are complaining that Malayalees and migrants are using drugs in the area and that incidents of violence are common. As part of Operation Toofan, banned drugs worth about 30 crores have been seized from the state in a month. So far, 5353 cases have been registered and 5736 people have been arrested. The police have so far organized 6005 awareness classes and 279 counselling sessions.