CM’s Anti-Drug Conference Sets Roadmap for a Drug-Free Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The state is waging a war against the scourge of drug which destroying the new generation and the society’s future. This great mission of uprooting the roots of drug consumption trafficking and saving future generations from the clutches of drug abuse requires the support and participation from all over the country.
In a recent conference, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged citizens to stay alert and join hands in the fight against drug, emphasizing the government's commitment to implement effective measures to tackle the problems effectively.

The drugs nowadays are posing threat to the peaceful environment of the society. Drug addiction results in broken family relationships. Also, it leads to economic hardships, mental problems, criminal tendency and suicides.
Cannabis, heroin, methamphetamine, synthetic drugs are the commonly found drugs in Kerala. The recent surge in the consumption of synthetic drugs makes the situation more severe and alarming.
The comprehensive conference was held on Wednesday to raise awareness and the measures to prevent drug use and its spread. In the conference, various departments presented anti-drug activities they are currently undertaking and measures they intend to continue. Ministers and officials from various departments such as Police, Excise, Education, Higher Education, Employment, Scheduled Castes- Schedules Tribes, Sports, Health, Culture, Youth Welfare were attended the meeting.
The proposals discussed will be placed before the expert committee, whose opinions will be incorporated to formulate a comprehensive action plan. The Chief Secretary has been authorised with formulating the action plan by compiling the proposals. As a part of strengthening the anti-drug campaign, a conference of religious leaders will be held on April 16 and an all-party meeting in 17th.

Kerala Police is implementing ‘Operation D-Hunt’ to prevent the sale, storage and use of drug. A system called ‘Drug Intelligence’ has been developed under the leadership of the special branch to provide intelligence input that will assist the ‘D-Hunt’. Through this, 2503 source reports were handed over to the District Police Chiefs in the short period from February 22 to April 4.
Kerala Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (KANSAF) operates at the state level. There are District Anti-Narcotics Cells (DANSAF) under the supervision of District Police Chiefs in all districts. In addition, local police are also conducting intensive inspections and raids. Strict action is being taken against those involved in the production, distribution, transportation, and storage of narcotics.

As part of Operation D-Hunt, 27,578 cases were registered across the state in 2024. 29889 culprits were arrested. Various drugs worth Rs 45 crores seized. Till March 31, 2025, 12760 cases were registered and 13449 accused were arrested. Drugs worth Rs 12 crores seized.
A special list of people involved in drug dealing crimes was prepared. Also, a list of those who were habitual offenders in drug cases was also prepared. Action was taken against 97 of them.
The police have registered 64 cases of drugs being smuggled in long-distance trains in 2024 and 2025. Drugs worth Rs 1.5 crore seized. 94 individuals from other states arrested as accused with drug cases in Kerala. Drugs worth Rs 34 crore, including 236.64 grams of MDMA and 562 kilograms of cannabis, were seized. The DANSAF team is actively involved in apprehending major gangs smuggling drugs into Kerala from other states. 251 people have been arrested in 180 cases.
A joint meeting of police and excise officials was held and a joint action plan was drawn up. They are exchanging lists of people involved in drug cases. Joint inspections are being conducted at school and college premises, DJ party venues, turfs, youth gathering places, college hostels, labour camps, railway stations, and thrift stores. To prevent drug use and distribution attempts among students, 4469 School Protection Groups have been formed at the school level and 1776 Anti-Narcotic Clubs have been formed at the college level.
CM reminded thath the war against drug abuse must start in our homes. It is essential to educate parents about drug abuse and the safety of their children. A campaign for this purpose is being conducted under the leadership of the Kerala Police with the slogan 'Jeevithamanu Lahari’.

A multi-faceted approach is being adopted regarding awareness. A coalition of people from all sectors of society, including health workers, law-enforcement officers, socio-political activists, student and youth organisations, will be formed for a drug-free Kerala. This will enable continuous awareness programs and social interventions. Police will uplift awareness activities through anti-drug classes in schools and colleges, systems like NSS, SPC, NCC, ORC, HOPE, Kudumbashree, PTA, residence associations, and other volunteers.
The government has taken admirable steps to ensure public access to information and support in the fight against drugs. The National Narcotics Helpline number 1933, a toll-free number to provide information and issues related to drugs to the public, and the numbers 9497979794 and 9497927797 of the Anti-Narcotics Cell operating in the office of ADGP L&O, and the WhatsApp number 9995966666 of the ‘Yodhavu’ project launched by the Kerala Police, are available 24 hours a day.
The state government is committed to making the activities more extensive and impactful. De-addiction centers to house violent drug addicts will be established in every districts.
CM recommended that we all need to stand together to protect the younger generation from the clutches of drugs and ensure the peace and happiness of the country. This is a big battle. Hence the entire country needs to join hands in this struggle. Everyone needs to support the government's efforts and build a drug-free Kerala. We can achieve this goal through a concerted action.