Chief minister V D Satheesan seeks joint action with neighbouring states against drug trafficking

Thiruvananthapuram: Seeking support to intensify efforts against interstate drug trafficking, chief minister V D Satheesan wrote to his Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry counterparts, proposing closer coordination and joint action under the state’s anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan.In his letter, the chief minister said Kerala has strengthened intelligence-led enforcement measures as part of Operation Toofan, targeting drug trafficking networks, dismantling their financial channels and confiscating illegally acquired assets.He noted that drug trafficking syndicates operate across multiple states, making coordinated action among neighbouring states and Union territories essential.

Border areas between Kerala and Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as major road corridors, tourist destinations, student networks and urban distribution centres, are vulnerable to exploitation by narcotics mafias, he said.Satheesan pointed out that Kerala Police arrested several interstate and international drug traffickers and stressed that real-time intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated planning are crucial to effectively combat such networks.The chief minister proposed convening a high-level meeting of officials from all these four states to formulate a common action plan against interstate drug smuggling.He also informed the neighbouring states that home minister Ramesh Chennithala, state police chief Ravada Chandrasekhar and task commander Putta Vikramaditya are prepared to hold discussions with police chiefs and senior home department officials from the other states to strengthen collaborative efforts against narcotics trafficking.Stay updated with the latest Thiruvananthapuram news.

Download the TOI App.