SPC cadets to spearhead anti-drug drive, says Kerala Home Minister

Kerala's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has called on Student Police Cadets to lead the state's anti-drug campaign 'Operation Toofan' to protect the younger generation from substance abuse.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday said SPCs should act as brand ambassadors of the state police's newly announced anti-drug campaign 'Operation Toofan' and lead efforts to protect the younger generation from substance abuse.

Terming drug abuse as one of the ''gravest threats'' facing society, he said the 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt' is announced to dismantle criminal networks involved in the sale of narcotic substances, especially those targeting schools, colleges and campuses.

He was addressing the valedictory function of the Student Police Cadet (SPC) state residential camp 'Aikya 2026' held at Venganoor VPS Malankara and Girls Higher Secondary School here.

''The student community should unitedly come forward to make the anti-drug campaign a success. SPC cadets must be in the forefront of the mission to ensure that the younger generation never falls prey to drugs,'' Chennithala said.

According to him, the SPC project had grown into a symbol of pride for the Kerala Police and had achieved several milestones during its one-and-a-half decades of functioning in the state.

Discussions were underway to implement the SPC model across the country.

Chennithala lauded the activities undertaken by SPC cadets, including supporting fellow students in distress and extending assistance to children in tribal areas by providing nutritional food, study materials and books.

He further praised the cadets for their role in maintaining discipline during school arts festivals and for upholding democratic and secular values.

The minister announced that from next year onwards, the best-performing SPC cadet would be honoured with the Home Minister's Trophy.

A total of 939 cadets participated in the week-long camp. The minister also received the ceremonial parade salute and distributed awards to cadets during the event.

Chennithala on Saturday announced a comprehensive statewide anti-narcotics campaign titled ''Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt'', aimed at cracking down on drug syndicates.

The minister announced the initiative after chairing his first high-level meeting of senior police officers at the Police Headquarters here.

Chennithala said the special drive would begin from June 1, coinciding with the reopening of schools after the summer vacation, and would focus on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions.