Chief Minister intervenes to dismantle drug mafia, calls high-level meeting on March 24; two South African women arrested in Mangaluru with MDMA worth Rs 75 crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the drug mafia's influence spreads among students and even reaches student organization activists, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is taking action to tackle the issue. A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on the 24th of this month will be attended by ministers, senior police, and excise officials.

Meanwhile, the seizure of 37.87 kg of MDMA worth Rs 75 crore in Mangaluru serves as a warning for Kerala. The two South African women arrested were part of a network supplying drugs to various states.

The Chief Minister’s directives are crucial, especially after ADGP (Law and Order) Manoj Abraham clarified that authorities do not require special permission to enter campuses or hostels to conduct drug raids. Manoj Abraham and Excise Commissioner Mahipal Yadav recently held a meeting and decided to continue joint inspections on campuses.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also announced yesterday that strict measures will be taken to curb drug trafficking in the country.

The meeting in Thiruvananthapuram will review the actions taken by the police and excise departments and plan further steps. The excise department has decided to closely monitor individuals previously involved in drug cases, track intermediaries bringing drugs from other states, and enhance border surveillance.

Operation D-Hunt: 284 arrested
As part of a statewide raid conducted recently, 284 individuals were arrested, and the police registered 273 cases. Authorities seized 26.433 grams of MDMA, 35.2 kg of ganja, and 193 ganja beedis.

9497927797 – This number can be used to report drug-related activities.

"A comprehensive action plan will be implemented after the summer vacation to prevent drug use in schools. The public must come together to fight this menace."
– Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister