36 arrests in a day as Kochi City police launch ‘Operation Toofan’

Kochi City police on Wednesday (June 3, 2026) registered 33 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during a series of raids as part of the launch of ‘Operation Toofan: Narco Hunt’ aimed at eliminating the drug menace across the state.

In raids carried out at 90 locations in one day, 36 defendants, including alleged drug dealers and users, were arrested. Seven cases were also recorded under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) while driving.

Police said the biggest seizure during the day-long drive was made at Kollamkudi Mugal near Thrikkakara. Three teenagers were arrested after 437.28 grams of suspected MDMA were found in an apartment here. The accused are Arjun Variyath, 30, of Kaithakuzhi, Palakkad; Ratheesh Anchampura, 33, of Cherkkala, Kasaragod; and Asif Kannoth (36) from Kalamassery, Kochi.

The raids were carried out by the District Anti-Narcotics Special Operation Force, headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Narcotics Cell) TD Sunilkumar, and teams from various police stations.

In a statement, the police said, “A special team has been assigned to track drug dealers and users within the scope of Operation Toofan. Educational institutions, luxury hotels and DJ venues will be kept under strict surveillance.”

Chief Minister VD Satheesan officially launched Operation Toofan in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Inspector General (Intelligence) Putta Vimaladitya has been appointed as the State nodal officer of the project.