During his visit to Perumbavoor on Friday, 03 July 2026, Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the formation of a dedicated Special Task Force to coordinate anti-narcotics operations across Kerala and dismantle drug networks operating across state borders. The force will function under the direct leadership of the State Police Chief, while additional police personnel will be deployed in Perumbavoor to strengthen enforcement efforts.
The ground operation was led by ACP Hardik Meena, a young IPS officer selected by the Minister to oversee enforcement activities in Perumbavoor. His efforts received appreciation from officials and representatives present during the campaign.
The operation also highlighted a clear distinction between migrant workers and criminal networks involved in narcotics activities. Minister Chennithala stated that drug networks had used migrant labourers as a cover and that the enforcement action was aimed at dismantling these networks rather than targeting workers.
In a significant outreach effort, the Home Minister directly addressed migrant workers in their language, administered an anti-narcotics pledge, and presented "Storm Warrior" badges to migrant worker representatives at Kandanthara Bhai Colony. He declared the entire population of Perumbavoor, including residents and migrant workers, as "Storm Warriors", emphasising collective responsibility in the fight against narcotics.
The migrant worker community responded positively to the initiative. Extended interactions between the Minister and workers at the colony, direct communication, the anti-narcotics pledge, and engagement by senior police officers and elected representatives reflected an approach that positioned workers as partners in restoring the reputation of Perumbavoor rather than as suspects.
State Police Chief Rawada Asad Chandrasekhar said that no narcotics network could survive when an entire community united against it. Thirty-five hospitals have expressed willingness to participate in the "Storm Care" initiative, following Angamaly Little Flower Hospital as the first institution to join the programme.
Thousands of people, including elected representatives, police officers, community organisation leaders, students, and business representatives, participated in the "Storm Awareness" rally. The event concluded with a mass anti-narcotics pledge and a march through the municipal stadium.
The Perumbavoor campaign marked a major step in Kerala's broader anti-narcotics effort, combining strict enforcement measures with community participation to counter drug networks and protect the social fabric of the region.
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