Over 15,700 arrested in Kerala under Operation Tufan

A total of 15,742 people have been arrested so far under 'Operation Tufan', a state-wide campaign launched five months ago by the Kerala Police against drug trafficking and substance abuse. According to a report by The Hindu, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala provided this information on Monday, 9 November 2026. He stated that over 13,500 cases have been registered as part of this operation.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala was present at a programme to lay the foundation stone for a new police station and fire station at Mananthavady in Wayanad, where he presented these figures. He clarified that Operation Tufan will continue with full force until drug mafias are completely uprooted from the state.

Providing further details on the success of the campaign, the Minister stated that 60 people involved in illegal activities have been brought under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). Additionally, more than 45 individuals have been kept under preventive detention. He further added that narcotics worth ₹200 crore smuggled into Kerala have been seized and destroyed.

As the borders of Wayanad district are connected with the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Home Minister has instructed the police to maintain strict surveillance against drug trafficking by coordinating with their counterpart officers in both states.

Ramesh Chennithala said that the Kerala Police has emerged as a model for police forces across the country and is doing excellent work in ensuring the safety of people's lives and property. He added that the government is fully committed to improving the infrastructure of police as well as fire and rescue service offices.

During the programme, the construction of the new police station building in Mananthavady will be carried out at a cost of ₹2.7 crore, while the estimated cost for the construction of the fire station will be ₹3.12 crore.

Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, as well as MLAs Usha Vijayan and I.C. Balakrishnan, were also present on the occasion.