Operation Thoofan – The statewide anti-drug campaign by the Kerala Home Department
Operation Thoofan is a statewide anti-drug campaign launched by the Kerala Home Department in 2026. It aims to combat the trafficking, distribution, and use of narcotic drugs across Kerala, , with particular attention to organized and international drug networks. The campaign targets drug movement by land, sea and air, as well as online/dark-web networks.
The statewide campaign was inaugurated in June 2026. The programme was led by Kerala’s Home Department, with Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan inaugurating the state-level launch and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala playing a central role.
Major components include:
* Police and Excise Department enforcement
* Intelligence gathering against drug networks
* Action against large-scale trafficking and sales
* Monitoring of online/dark-web drug activity
* Seizure and confiscation of assets connected with serious drug offences
* Treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by drug addiction
* Public and school-level awareness programmes
* Community participation and information sharing
“Thoofan Warriors”
One distinctive element is the deployment of “Thoofan Warriors”. Reports said that special personnel would be designated in each district to gather intelligence and assist the anti-drug operation. The campaign has also involved public figures. Mohanlal, for example, was given a “Thoofan Warrior” badge and publicly supported the anti-drug campaign.
Results reported so far
- By early July, reports said authorities had seized approximately ?30 crore worth of prohibited narcotics and arrested 5,736 people during the first month.
- By July 21, the reported figures had risen to more than 7,600 arrests and more than 6,500 cases during roughly the first 50 days.
- The 2026–27 Kerala Budget also reportedly allocated ?10 crore to Operation Thoofan.
IAM International Academic Media Collaborated with the Y’s Men International Pullichira and Supported the Project Thoophan on the 80th Independence Day of India.
Secretary General Satheesh Edmund who is also the Charter President of Y’s Men International Pullichira St Mary’s where the current President Dr Jill Renee Wood hails from Ohio USA supported the event.
The Bike Rally to support the Project Thoophan was flagged off by the District Collector of Kollam District Anie Jula Thomas as the Zone 3 LRD Y’s Men Austin Benan Hosted the event.