Story perspectives

Kerala forms anti-narcotics investigation team, launches Phase II

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 10:24 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced formation of an Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team.
Inspector General Putta Vimaladitya will head three units in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode.
Operation Toofan recorded 10,918 cases, 11,776 arrests, seized 23.925 kg MDMA, 1,457 kg cannabis, 530 g heroin, 27.6 g cocaine, 2,398 cannabis plants.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will launch Phase II on September 28, focusing on demand reduction and community awareness committees.

History

Historical Context

The 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic, effective 1990 and signed by 191 parties, obliges nations to coordinate anti-drug measures and seize proceeds. Kerala’s 2024 crackdown, led by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and IG Putta Vimaladitya under Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, follows that treaty’s demand-reduction mandate, aiming to shape India’s broader drug-control policy.

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Story summary

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced formation of an Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team.
Inspector General Putta Vimaladitya will head three units in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode.
Operation Toofan recorded 10,918 cases, 11,776 arrests, seized 23.925 kg MDMA, 1,457 kg cannabis, 530 g heroin, 27.6 g cocaine, 2,398 cannabis plants.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will launch Phase II on September 28, focusing on demand reduction and community awareness committees.

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