While law enforcement crackdown has led to large-scale arrests and seizures, educational institutes, political parties among others, are undertaking a wide ranging initiatives to address the issue at its roots.
Published Mar 12, 2025 | 7:12 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 12, 2025 | 10:53 PM
Synopsis: Faced with a disturbing surge in substance abuse-related violence among young people, the Kerala government, political parties, educational institutions, and youth organisations have mobilised mass initiatives, including public protests, cultural events, sports activities, and grassroots vigilance.
Kerala is grappling with a disturbing rise in substance abuse-related violence, particularly among the youth.
The surge in violent incidents, brutal murders and shocking incidents of bullying, has sent shockwaves across the state, prompting a multi-pronged response from the government, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and political organisations.
While law enforcement crackdown has led to large-scale arrests and seizures, schools and universities are undertaking initiatives to address the issue at its roots.
Meanwhile the governor, the chief minister and various political and youth organisations have also taken different initiatives to tackle the worsening crisis.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to curbing drug abuse, citing intensified enforcement and awareness initiatives.
Officials highlighted Kerala Police’s D Hunt and Kerala Excise’s Operation Clean Slate as key measures addressing the growing narcotics problem.
According to official data, the crackdown has produced significant results. Under D Hunt, conducted from February 22 to March 8, authorities arrested 4,228 individuals and registered 4,081 cases.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of 1.434 kg of MDMA, 185.229 kg of ganja, and other narcotic substances. Additionally, 33,838 individuals underwent drug inspections during this period.
Similarly, Operation Clean Slate, a high-intensity enforcement campaign, led to the registration of 360 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases and the arrest of 368 people within five days.
Authorities seized drugs worth ₹81.13 lakh, including 56.09 gm of MDMA, 23.11 gm of methamphetamine, and 77.8 kg of ganja. A total of 2,181 inspections were conducted during this operation.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier hinted at launching a coordinated anti-drug campaign similar to the initiative started in 2022.
The proposed campaign aims to bring together community leaders, religious figures, political representatives, and individuals from various sections of society to formulate a robust action plan against substance abuse.
Recognising the rising threat of drug addiction among students, the state government has announced a special anti-drug awareness drive in schools, scheduled to begin from the next academic year.
In a high-level meeting chaired by ADGP (Law & Order) Manoj Abraham on 12 March, the Kerala Police have decided to implement comprehensive measures to strengthen anti-drug enforcement across the state.
The meeting, attended by Zonal IGPs, Range DIGs, and District Police Chiefs, focused on intensifying inspections and surveillance to curb the spread of drug abuse.
As part of the initiative, inspections will be increased in shops and establishments near educational institutions.
Law enforcement agencies will also conduct frequent raids on the homes and hideouts of individuals with a history of drug-related offenses.
A major focus will be on “migrant workers’ camps”, which will undergo detailed inspections.
Additionally, DJ parties in hotels and resorts, identified as hotspots for drug use, will be strictly monitored.
To combat interstate drug smuggling, railway stations will see heightened security measures under the coordination of the Superintendent of Railway Police.
Sniffer dogs will be deployed on platforms to detect narcotics, and investigations into drug trafficking routes from northern states will be intensified.
The Cyberdome team and the Technical Intelligence Wing of the Special Security Bureau (SSB) will track drug trade activities on the dark web, as well as identify interstate wholesale dealers.
Any information received through dedicated helplines—YODHAV (9995966666) and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force numbers (9497927797, 9497979794)—will be promptly forwarded to District Police Chiefs.
Special teams will be formed to collate and act upon this intelligence.
The Janamaithri scheme will be reactivated to involve residents’ associations, NGOs, and coordination committees in raising awareness and gathering local intelligence on drug networks.
In educational institutions, initiatives such as Student Police Cadets, School Protection Groups, Anti-Narcotics Clubs, and the Clean Campus-Safe Campus scheme will be reinforced to educate students and prevent drug abuse. Zonal IGPs and Range DIGs will conduct monthly reviews to assess the progress of these measures.
The rising incidents of drug abuse among youths have prompted Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to convene a meeting of university vice-chancellors and seek a detailed report from State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb.
The meeting, held at Kerala Raj Bhavan on 10 March, focused on formulating a comprehensive action plan to curb the spread of narcotics in educational institutions.
Recognising the alarming infiltration of drug networks into campuses, the Governor directed universities to launch a sustained awareness campaign, including observing ‘Anti-Drug Days’ every month.
The Kerala University of Health Sciences, in collaboration with health professionals, will lead educational initiatives highlighting the dangers of drug abuse.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar chairing a meeting with VCs at Raj Bhavan on 10 March
The discussions also emphasised promoting sports activities and increasing parental involvement in hostel administration to prevent drug trade in these facilities.
The Governor tasked the State Police Chief with preparing a state-wide action plan, which he will submit after consultations with the Chief Minister.
Additionally, the Governor plans high-level meetings with senior officials, law enforcement agencies, and Members of Parliament (MPs) to strengthen anti-drug efforts.
A sub-committee will oversee the implementation of the university action plan, set to be finalised by Sunday.
Proposals also include establishing rehabilitation facilities for students recovering from substance abuse.
In higher educational institutions, separate anti-drug campaigns are being launched.
The Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD), under the Higher Education Department, is rolling out ‘Snehathon,’ while Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools will implement ‘PRAJNA.’
Higher Education Minister R Bindu announced that ‘Snehathon,’ which emphasises love and awareness, will involve 88 IHRD institutions hosting various events.
These include a mass run ‘Run Away from Drugs’ organised in Kollam on March 9, along with a symbolic ‘Snehamathil’ (wall of love) and public discussions.
Meanwhile, ‘PRAJNA’ will be officially launched at the CBSE Schools Kerala Council’s state convention in April, aiming to reach three million students across 1,500 CBSE schools.
Led by teachers, parents, and school management, the initiative integrates legal aid, mental health counselling, and law enforcement support into a structured and phased programme. It will also ensure continuous monitoring, co-curricular integration, and a safe learning environment.
Authorities believe a well-organised drug mafia actively lures students into addiction and uses them as carriers. Efforts will be intensified to protect children already trapped.
On March 11, Kerala Excise Minister M B Rajesh expressed concern in the Assembly over an alarming rise in student violence, noting that aggressive acts were becoming addictive for the younger generation.
Responding to a query about awareness initiatives by the General Education Department, he remarked that drug use alone was not responsible for increased student violence; a “sadistic mindset” among children was also on the rise.
Adding to these efforts, Sports Minister V Abdurahiman announced an extensive statewide anti-drug campaign, set to begin on May 1. The initiative will promote sports as a healthy alternative to narcotics. The minister sought support from all MLAs to ensure its success.
The Kerala government maintains that the fight against drugs requires collective effort and has urged the public to actively participate in making the state drug-free.
Amid rising concerns about drug abuse and violence in Kerala, political and youth organisations are intensifying awareness campaigns and protests, combining political activism, cultural interventions, and grassroots vigilance.
The ruling CPI(M) and opposition UDF have launched parallel efforts, each taking distinct approaches to tackle the drug menace.
The CPI(M) announced statewide padayatras and mass gatherings to combat drug addiction and violence, emphasising the need for greater societal awareness.
In Kannur, a CPI(M) stronghold, the party launched a campaign involving students, youth, women, library workers, and volunteers from the Initiative for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care (IRPC) under the slogan “No to Drugs, No to Violence”.
Meanwhile, the opposition UDF accused the LDF government of failing to control drug proliferation and increasing violence.
Highlighting public anxiety, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan alleged that Kerala was becoming a narcotics hub, with powerful mafias expanding their networks. The Congress-led front recently staged a day-long hunger strike outside the Secretariat, demanding urgent government action.
The Congress-affiliated Samskara Sahithi is organising cultural events to raise awareness against drug abuse. Its chairman, MLA CR Mahesh, stated that strong protest against the government’s failure to curb drug addiction would be formally recorded through a state committee resolution.
On 20 March, the state-level inauguration of the play Shradhikanda Ambane, will be staged in Thiruvananthapuram, as part of the campaign.
The play and other cultural performances will be staged at 100 selected venues across Kerala.
Meanwhile, the BJP, which extended wholehearted support to the campaign, has written to the Union Home Ministry seeking intervention to address drug abuse cases in Kerala.
Among youth organisations, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) announced vigilance parades under the theme “No to Drugs and Violence”, planned across 2,500 locations by March 10.
The DYFI also intends to form local squads to monitor drug users and distributors, alongside promoting sports activities under the slogan “Drugs Can Be Addictive”.
Similarly, the Youth Congress will launch a 120-day statewide football campaign titled “Kick Out Drugs, Kick Off Life”, covering 140 constituencies and including 14 district-level tournaments.
Their campaign will include door-to-door awareness drives, beach volleyball fests, campus-focused campaigns, sports events, legal aid for individuals battling addiction, and counselling services.
The All India Youth Federation (AIYF), youth wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI), also stepped in with an aggressive campaign for a drug-free Kerala.
AIYF state president N Arun and secretary TT Gismon announced plans for anti-drug squads, public awareness drives, short film festivals, roadshows, flash mobs, and art and sports competitions.
Special squads will be formed to monitor drug users and distributors, reinforcing their commitment to eradicating drug addiction.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
