Kerala’s Crusade against Drug Menace

Around the world, drug trafficking and abuse have surged to record levels, impacting major cities everywhere. Kerala, with its busy sea routes, airports and proximity to key international shipping lanes, has not been spared. Recognising the threat to public safety, the Kerala government had quickly stepped up, organising several high-level meetings and launching a strong Anti-Narcotics Campaign. At the heart of the Anti-Narcotic mission is Operation D-Hunt – a strategic disruptive force initiated by the Kerala Police to exterminate the drug menace. The goal is clear: dismantle the supply networks fuelling drug trafficking and addiction and restore peace and security across Kerala.

Perils of Synthetic Highs

The Kerala Police have mounted a strong and resilient defense against the threat of drug trafficking. Tragically, it is the youth and children who are the most vulnerable. The fact that the most popular contraband today is synthetic drugs makes the fight even more urgent. Synthetic drugs are dangerous because they are harder to detect, easier to disguise and extremely potent. Often resembling everyday substances like salt crystals, they can be crushed, snorted or smoked easily. Even more concerning, LSD stamps confiscated show that they are designed to appeal to children, featuring cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse making them look harmless at first glance. MDMA tablets often mimic the appearance of chocolates, appearing appetising and safe to unsuspecting young minds.

A Strategic Strike

Earlier this year, Kerala Police Chief Dr. Shaik Darvesh Saheb IPS led a high-level meeting that launched Operation D-Hunt as a major statewide offensive. The operation is backed by extensive surveillance and intelligence work. This precision strike against drug dealers and traffickers compliments Kerala Government’s broader Vimukthi programme. Operation D-Hunt traces its origin to early 2024. D-hunt was intensified and launched on 22nd February 2025 as part of the Anti-Narcotic Campaign. The drive targets individuals and organised crime networks, smuggling and dealing drugs. Anyone found in possession of the drugs or aiding and abetting the trade will be prosecuted under the strict terms of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

How D-Hunt works

The D-Hunt operation is led by the State Anti-Narcotics Task Force Chief, ADGP (Law and Order). Supporting the mission are the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Cell, the NDPS Coordination Cell and the range-wise Anti- Narcotics Intelligence Cells—all operating under the direct supervision of the ADGP, Law & Order. At the range level the operations are carried out by the RANSAF (Range Anti- Narcotics Special Action Force), effectively deployed across four key zones— Kannur, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. At the district level, the operation is implemented by the twenty DANSAF (District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force) teams, with the Excise Department conducting parallel missions to strengthen the crackdown.

Public Spaces under Surveillance

As part of this drive the Kerala police have increased the surveillance of public spaces known to foster illicit drug activities. The Police has zeroed in on tourist hotspots, labour camps, school-college surroundings, resorts, hotels, lodges and nightlife venues. They have also roped in authorities who manage such spots and advised them to be vigilant about instances of drug use. Educational hubs are given special attention and teachers and shopkeepers next to schools are asked to alert the police about suspicious activities. Inspections are carried out routinely on trains and buses crossing the state borders and migrant worker camps. Sniffer dogs are deployed on railway platforms to detect drugs. Recently, the Police raided spas and massage centres, recognising it as one of the possible channels through which drugs can be transported and sold.

Technology and Intelligence

In India traditionally, drugs were smuggled through land, sea and air routes. About 70% of the total drugs were brought via sea routes, particularly the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal according to an annual report of NCB. With the advent of digital age, online illicit marketplaces on the darknet became popular. Digital drug transactions offer anonymity, lack of identification and security through cryptocurrency payments. These platforms are difficult to trace, as administrators conceal server locations. Illegal drug supply chains would ensure that parcels reach the buyer directly. In response, Kerala Police are fighting fire with fire. Cyberdome, the department’s technological research and development centre, plays a crucial role. The team consists of ethical hackers, coders, cybersecurity prodigies and law enforcement officials who monitor the darknet drug trade. To ensure faster and efficient drug detention, major police stations across the state have been equipped with drug screening kits for quick, on-the-spot substance testing. Police have also developed a comprehensive databank of known drug peddlers. To gather intelligence from the public and to provide them with information the police have established various measures. An Anti-Narcotic Cell has been activated at ADGP L&O office and contact numbers 9497979794, 9497927797 are provided. A toll-free number, National Narcotics Helpline 1933 is also active. Under Project YODHAV, the WhatsApp number 9995966666 allows citizens to anonymously report information 24/7 via text, photo, video or voice message. Any information shared is treated with strict confidentiality.

Janamaithri Project and the Clean Campus–Safe Campus Initiative

Recognising that the fight against drugs must involve every sector of society, Kerala Police have launched targeted projects and awareness programmes to build public participation. Through the Janamaithri Project, police have strengthened collaboration between residents, local committees and community leaders. They play a crucial role by providing valuable intelligence on trafficking networks. In schools and colleges across the state, Clean Campus–Safe Campus initiative has been reactivated. The movement places students right at the frontline of anti-drug awareness and action. Student Police Cadets and School Protection Groups work to secure school campuses. The Anti-Narcotics Clubs in colleges empower the next generation with the knowledge, resilience and the confidence to say no to narcotics.

Success of Operation D-Hunt

Operation D-Hunt has proven to be incredibly effective. Since its launch, there has been a notable decline in the sale and use of narcotics in Kerala. Kerala Police have credited this success to strong public participation and local community support. The statistics speak for themselves. Between February 22, 2025 and April 18, 2025, during the intensified phase of Operation D-Hunt, 1,40,027 individuals were checked, 10,901 cases were registered and 11,437 accused were arrested. The Operation D-Hunt is more than just an enforcement drive. The special drive affirms that Kerala is charting a powerful path toward a future free from the grip of narcotics, where our youth and children will be protected from the dangerous effects of addiction.