Kerala to Launch Toofan Care on November 16

Kerala will launch Toofan Care on November 16 as the next phase of its anti-narcotics campaign, Operation Toofan. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said 35 hospitals across the state had been prepared to provide rehabilitation facilities.

Rehabilitation under Toofan Care

The initiative aims to support people experiencing drug addiction through treatment and rehabilitation, and help them return to everyday life. It expands the campaign beyond action against drug trafficking to include recovery support.

Operation Toofan is implemented by the state Home Department and Kerala Police, in coordination with the Health and Excise departments. Chennithala also said Kerala had raised alleged loopholes in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act with the Union Home Minister and called for amendments.

Important Facts for Exams

• Treatment-related immunity: Section 64A allows qualifying people with addiction who seek treatment to receive immunity from prosecution for specified offences, subject to completing treatment.
• Rehabilitation centres: Section 71 empowers the Central or State Government to establish centres for identifying, treating and rehabilitating people affected by drug dependence.
• Special Courts: Section 36 provides for Special Courts to try offences under the Act; State Governments constitute them after consulting the relevant High Court’s Chief Justice.