On the occasion of World Drug Day, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheeshan flagged off the Kerala Anti-Drug Rally in Thiruvananthapuram, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to combating drug abuse and narcotics trafficking. The rally brought together students, government officials, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public to spread awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and promote a drug-free society.

The Kerala Anti-Drug Rally is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public awareness while intensifying action against drug trafficking through coordinated enforcement and rehabilitation initiatives.

Kerala Anti-Drug Rally Promotes Awareness Across the State

The Kerala Anti-Drug Rally was organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Participants marched through the streets of Thiruvananthapuram carrying messages encouraging young people to stay away from narcotics and support efforts to eliminate drug abuse.

The state government said public awareness is one of the most effective tools in preventing addiction, especially among students and young adults. The campaign aims to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs while encouraging communities to actively participate in anti-drug initiatives.

Operation Toofan Strengthens Kerala’s Fight Against Drugs

Alongside the Kerala Anti-Drug Rally, the government highlighted its ongoing anti-narcotics mission, Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt. The operation is being carried out jointly by the Excise Department, Health Department, and law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across the state.

Kerala Excise and Cooperation Minister M Liju said the department has significantly expanded its enforcement efforts. According to him, nearly 15,000 narcotics-related cases were registered by the Excise Department in the past month alone.

The minister also announced that Kerala has launched India’s first dedicated narcotics information portal, enabling citizens to access information on narcotics-related offences, awareness programmes, and de-addiction services.

Rising NDPS Cases Raise Concern

The Kerala Anti-Drug Rally comes at a time when the state is witnessing a steady rise in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

According to official police data:

36,314 NDPS cases were registered in 2025
27,530 NDPS cases were recorded in 2024

Earlier, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that Kerala registered 30,697 NDPS cases in 2023, the highest among all Indian states.

The increasing number of cases has prompted the government to adopt stricter enforcement measures while expanding awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes.

Youth Participation at the Centre of the Campaign

A major objective of the Kerala Anti-Drug Rally is protecting young people from the dangers of substance abuse. Schools, colleges, youth organisations, and local communities have been encouraged to participate in awareness programmes that educate students about the health, social, and legal consequences of drug addiction.

Officials believe that preventing addiction requires cooperation between families, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies.

Amit Shah Reaffirms Centre’s Zero-Tolerance Policy

Marking World Drug Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the Centre’s commitment to eliminating drug trafficking across the country.

In a message shared on social media, Shah said the government remains determined to dismantle narcotics networks while ensuring proper care and rehabilitation for individuals affected by addiction. He also urged citizens to strengthen efforts to protect the country’s youth from drug abuse.

On the same day, Shah chaired the 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi. The meeting reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and focused on improving coordination among enforcement agencies.

Kerala Continues Multi-Pronged Anti-Drug Strategy

The Kerala Anti-Drug Rally reflects the state’s broader strategy of combining strict law enforcement with public awareness, digital initiatives, and rehabilitation services. Through Operation Toofan, increased surveillance, awareness campaigns, and community participation, the government aims to reduce drug abuse and curb narcotics trafficking.

Officials have appealed to citizens to report suspicious activities and support rehabilitation efforts to help individuals recover from addiction

The Kerala Anti-Drug Rally on World Drug Day highlights Kerala’s determination to tackle the growing challenge of drug abuse through awareness, enforcement, and rehabilitation. With rising NDPS cases, stronger anti-drug operations, and active participation from the public, the state hopes to build a safer and healthier future, particularly for its younger generation.