The Kerala Police have begun preparing a database of fugitives and alleged drug suppliers operating from outside the country as part of efforts to dismantle narcotics networks, Inspector General (IG) Putta Vimaladitya has said.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday (August 31), Mr. Vimaladitya, who is also the nodal officer for the State’s anti-narcotics campaign ‘Operation Toofan’, confirmed that the police team was coordinating with Central investigating agencies to trace and bring back those wanted in various drug trafficking cases.
Investigators are also examining suspected international supply chains, with Afghanistan, Oman, and Thailand figuring among countries, he said.
According to Mr. Vimaladitya, the operation has so far resulted in 165 cases relating to commercial quantities of narcotic substances and 395 cases involving intermediate quantities. Nearly 10,100 persons have been arrested so far under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, he explained.
Listing measures taken by the police as part of the special drive, he pointed out that the police were able to initiate preventive proceedings against a number of persons under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. Identifying those behind the supply of narcotics, rather than limiting investigations to those caught with the substances, remains a key objective of the operation, the officer said.
The officer also revealed that investigations into 32 cases led the police to alleged key players in the supply chain, including financiers and carriers.
Hailing public support to the Toofan campaign, the senior police officer said that more than 10,000 calls were received from members of the public providing information on suspected drug-related activities in their respective areas. He revealed that the inputs were being examined and action taken wherever required.
He said counselling and rehabilitation initiatives would be launched next month.
Published – August 31, 2026 09:16 pm IST
