Thiruvananthapuram, 9 April

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 9 April announced a statewide, multi-pronged crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse. He termed it a "decisive battle to save future generations" from the devastating grip of drugs.

The Kerala police has already launched "Operation D-Hunt", an enforcement initiative to curb the sale, storage and use of narcotics, the chief minister said. The operation is being supported by a newly set up Drug Intelligence (D-INT) wing under the Special Branch.

A special force, the Kerala Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (KANSAF), has been formed at the state level, supported by the District Narcotics Control Cells (DANSAF), operating under the supervision of district police chiefs.

Addressing a press conference after an inter-departmental review meeting, Vijayan declared that the war against drugs in the state has entered a crucial phase. He said the drive was "not merely administrative but a social responsibility."

"The Chief Secretary has been entrusted with consolidating the suggestions and preparing the action plan. As part of strengthening the anti-drug campaign, a meeting of religious leaders will be held on April 16, and an all-party meeting will be convened on April 17," he added.

Under the campaign slogan "Life is High", the Kerala Police has launched a statewide awareness initiative to educate youth and parents about the dangers of drugs. CM also said that special de-addiction centres will be started in each district similar to the Vimukthi de-addiction centres functioning in 14 districts of Kerala.