Kerala and Tamil Nadu have joined hands to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking by creating a coordinated inter-state strategy to tackle narcotics networks.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday to discuss stronger border surveillance, real-time intelligence sharing and joint awareness campaigns targeting drug abuse among youth.
Chennithala highlighted the achievements of Kerala’s anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, which has resulted in more than 6,000 arrests, registration of around 5,500 cases and the seizure of assets linked to drug traffickers.
He said state-level action alone is not enough and stressed the need for stronger cooperation between neighbouring states to dismantle inter-state smuggling networks.
Following the meeting, Chennithala said Tamil Nadu has assured full cooperation, including tighter monitoring of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and closer coordination between police forces of both states.
The two states will also focus on intelligence-sharing mechanisms to quickly identify and act against drug suppliers and transport networks.
Apart from enforcement measures, the leaders discussed large-scale awareness campaigns involving popular personalities. Chennithala invited Tamil actor Vijay to participate in an anti-drug convention in Kerala, alongside actor Mohanlal, who serves as Kerala’s anti-drug campaign ambassador.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns that drug networks are targeting school and college students. Kerala has also been working with other southern states to improve coordination on border security and prevent illegal drug movement.
