Mohanlal Joins Keralas Operation Toofan Anti-Drug Campaign, 2,778 Arrests in First 15 Days
In early June 2026, the Kerala Home Department launched a statewide crackdown on drugs titled “Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt.” The initiative was announced on 1 June and was expanded on 16 June when Malayalam film star Mohanlal agreed to serve as a “Toofan Warrior,” becoming the campaign’s public‑awareness face.
The operation is coordinated by the Kerala Police and Excise Department with support from central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and the Narcotics Control Bureau. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala reported that the first 15 days of the drive resulted in 2,778 arrests and the seizure of drugs and banned tobacco worth more than ₹10 crore. Confiscated items included 1.59 kg of synthetic MDMA, 146.45 kg of cannabis, 141 cannabis plants, 464 g of hashish oil, 350 g of brown sugar, and 11 LSD stamps.
Operation Toofan is organized into three phases. The first, “Toofan Strike,” focuses on intelligence‑driven enforcement against trafficking syndicates. Police teams are mapping interstate corridors and targeting supply routes from neighboring states. A dedicated intelligence cell, “T‑INT,” is tasked with dismantling clandestine distribution hubs, while surveillance is intensified at border checkposts, airports, and seaports.
The second phase, “Toofan Warriors,” leverages social influence to build a cultural firewall against drug abuse. The campaign partners with the General Education Department and the Student Police Cadet network. Schools and colleges across Kerala have raised the official Toofan flag and issued warrior badges to students. Digital nodes, mobile lines, and anonymous WhatsApp hotlines allow citizens to report drug activity near educational institutions.
The third phase, “Toofan Care,” integrates law‑enforcement infrastructure with the health department to provide medical treatment and rehabilitation for users. The state is expanding counseling, detoxification, and mental‑health services to help individuals reintegrate.
Mohanlal’s involvement follows his ViswaSanthi Foundation’s three‑year history of anti‑drug initiatives. In a meeting in Thodupuzha, Idukki district, the actor expressed willingness to lead the public‑facing campaigns, a move that has drawn mixed reactions. Civic groups praise the high‑profile endorsement, while some film‑industry members have raised concerns about the state’s plans to inspect celebrity caravan vehicles.
The campaign’s reach extends beyond enforcement. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Kerala General Education Department launched a football‑themed anti‑drug drive titled “1 Million Toofan Goals.” The program, running from 11 June to 20 July, aims to embed drug‑awareness education in classes I to XII.
On 26 June, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Kerala will activate a statewide anti‑drug programme in every assembly constituency, with local MLAs leading the effort. The state also announced a “One Million Toofan Goals” initiative to institutionalize anti‑drug education in schools.
The operation’s early results demonstrate the scale of drug trafficking networks in Kerala and the effectiveness of a coordinated, multi‑agency approach. The campaign is described as a long‑term siege against the drug mafia, with the state planning to maintain pressure beyond the initial 15‑day surge.
At present, the Kerala Home Department continues to monitor the operation’s progress, with the next phase of enforcement and community outreach scheduled to roll out in the coming weeks. The state has not yet released a timetable for the full completion of Operation Toofan.
