Operation Toofan to enter second phase on September 28; focus on drug prevention and rehabilitation

The Keralam government’s anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, will enter its second phase on Monday (September 28, 2026), shifting its focus from enforcement and curbing drug supply to reducing demand, preventing substance abuse and strengthening treatment and rehabilitation.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the second phase at Vengara in Malappuram.

Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty will preside over the function. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji will also participate.

The second phase of Operation Toofan envisages the formation of Toofan Janajagratha Samithis (public awareness committees) through local bodies with the participation of residents’ associations. The committees will coordinate community-level activities aimed at preventing substance abuse and promoting public awareness.

Toofan Warriors

A network of volunteers, designated Toofan Warriors, will also be established as part of the campaign. Elected representatives, Kudumbasree members, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Haritha Karma Sena members, youth and sports organisations, students and student organisations will be encouraged to participate in the endeavour.

The government also plans to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation facilities under Toofan Care, a programme intended to provide medical assistance, counselling and rehabilitation support to people affected by substance abuse.

As many as 35 hospitals have expressed willingness to associate with Toofan Care. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is leading the efforts to formulate a rehabilitation protocol. As many as 649 counselling sessions have been conducted as part of the campaign.

Another component of the second phase is Toofan Mentor, under which two police personnel from each police station will receive specialised training in rehabilitation from substance abuse.