Keralam forms Anti-Narcotic Investigation Team as Operation Toofan set to enter second phase
The Kerala state government has established a specialized Anti-Narcotic Investigation Team to combat high-value drug trafficking. This initiative expands upon the ongoing 'Operation Toofan' to target masterminds and interstate drug networks.
Why it matters
Enhanced law enforcement coordination is a key strategy in addressing the growing challenge of organized drug trafficking across state and international borders.
The Keralam State government has ordered the formation of a dedicated Anti-Narcotic Investigation Team to investigate high-value drug trafficking cases involving interstate and international links, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said here on Friday (September 18, 2026).
The new investigation mechanism is intended to expand investigations beyond individual arrests and drug seizures to identify the masterminds, wider networks and sources supplying narcotics to Keralam.
The Anti-Narcotic Investigation Team will function through three units based in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The team will be headed by Putta Vimaladitya, nodal officer of Operation Toofan and Inspector General of Police, North Range.
Each unit will comprise a Deputy Superintendent of Police, two Circle Inspectors, two Sub-Inspectors and other police personnel.
The Minister said 10,918 cases has been registered across Keralam under Operation Toofan and 11,776 accused persons arrested as of 10 a.m. on Friday.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in