Kerala Will Not Tolerate Drug Use at DJ Parties and in Caravans

Kerala State Minister of Home Affairs Ramesh Chennithala stated that the state government is not against nightlife, DJ parties, or caravan tourism, but drug consumption carried out under the guise of these events will absolutely not be tolerated. In his statement made in Kochi last Saturday, he emphasized that the entertainment sector must operate within specific rules and responsibly. He warned that the police will take the strictest measures if drugs are found or consumed, especially in luxury hotels, DJ parties, and inside caravans. The Minister stressed that nightlife should not be an enticing activity, but one that remains within moral and legal boundaries. Authorities state that this new era is not about banning the entertainment culture, but aims to prevent drug-related crimes.

It was stated that significant progress has been made so far within the scope of the anti-drug campaign named 'Operation Toofan', which Minister Chennithala described as a great success. According to data obtained from police sources, a total of 6 thousand 394 cases were filed and 6 thousand 873 suspects were detained during this comprehensive operation. Since the beginning of the operation, large quantities of materials have been seized in the fight against drugs pushed onto the streets and networks; substances, including 4 kilos 389 grams of MDMA and 463 kilograms of cannabis, were reported to have been destroyed. Authorities expressed that these numbers reveal the scale of the illegal trade in the region and that the fight will continue at an ever-increasing pace. Security forces are implementing a zero-tolerance policy against synthetic drugs, which are becoming particularly widespread among the youth.

It has been determined that the problem is not limited to entertainment venues, but has seeped into university campuses and student dormitories. Minister Chennithala stated that drug use has reached worrying proportions among both female and male students, and that this situation has become a public health issue requiring an urgent solution. In this context, the Kerala police attach great importance not only to sanctions but also to social awareness. While 107 awareness classes were organized across the state just last Friday, the total number of classes reached since the beginning of the campaign has amounted to 6 thousand 795. Furthermore, 328 psychological counseling sessions were organized for individuals struggling with addiction, and 5 thousand 385 different educational programs were implemented by school and campus protection groups.

The Minister of Home Affairs clearly emphasized that no one will have immunity in the fight against drugs and that the law will be applied to the highest degree regardless of the social standing of the individuals involved. It was stated that no concessions, recommendations, or favoritism will be accepted for offenders, adding that public support is of critical importance for the success of this fight. Additionally, it was promised that new complaint mechanisms will be introduced to establish trust between the police force and citizens. Periodic station inspections will be conducted to monitor how complaints against police officers are resolved. The public is encouraged to safely share intelligence regarding drug trafficking directly or via a dedicated WhatsApp line, with a promise that the identities of informants will remain strictly confidential.

A comprehensive modernization and revision process has also been initiated in the state's security bureaucracy and the functioning of the police force. Minister Chennithala stated that the police force will be made much more public-friendly, transparent, and effective, announcing that a comprehensive reform package has been implemented in this direction. As part of the restructuring, it is planned to clean and repaint all police stations across the state according to a uniform color palette to give them a modern appearance by the 15 August Independence Day. Along with this, an administrative arrangement will be made, and it has been decided that sub-inspectors will be appointed to head all stations, except for only 64 police stations, starting from the same date. It was announced that in the 64 exempted centers, circle inspectors will continue in their duties as station chiefs.