In a letter submitted to Shah, Chennithala proposed a time-bound interstate operational protocol under the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), faster real-time intelligence sharing, coordinated investigations into the financial networks behind drug trafficking, and a structured review of legal and procedural challenges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) framework.
The proposals draw on Keralam’s experience under Operation Toofan, the statewide anti-narcotics mission launched on 2 June 2026. In 140 days, Keralam Police registered 13,357 cases and arrested 14,409 persons under the operation. The police also seized more than 27 kg of drugs and 1,796 kg of illicit substance.
Chennithala pointed out that investigations originating from seizures within Keralam have repeatedly taken police teams across State boundaries and, in some cases, led them to networks with links beyond India. These cases, he said, demonstrate the need for a more structured mechanism to support investigations that extend beyond individual States.
In one case, the seizure of 97 grams of drugs in Manjeri led Malappuram Police to a storage point in Coimbatore, where about 13 kg of illicit substance intended for Keralam was recovered. The investigation subsequently took police teams through Delhi, Noida, Kolkata, Bihar and Chennai as they pursued the wider network.
In another case, the seizure of 609 grams of illicit substance in Angamaly led Ernakulam Rural Police to a key supplier in Nagaon, Assam. Further investigation resulted in arrests in Delhi and Bengaluru linked to networks supplying narcotics to Keralam.
“These operations succeeded because of the cooperation and goodwill of our counterparts in other States. But much of this coordination still depends on case-by-case arrangements,” Chennithala said in the letter.
“When an investigation crosses a state boundary, the pursuing team should be able to secure necessary coordination and local assistance within hours rather than days,” he said.
Chennithala has outlined four proposals to strengthen national coordination against narcotics trafficking, covering interstate operations, intelligence sharing, financial investigations and enforcement challenges under the NDPS framework.
The first proposal calls for a time-bound interstate operational protocol under NCORD to standardise urgent narcotics investigations and joint operations. The proposed system would include round-the-clock nodal officers in every State and Union Territory to facilitate immediate assistance to investigating teams, coordination of arrests and transit remand, preservation and transfer of evidence, and other time-sensitive operational requirements.
The second proposal seeks to strengthen real-time operational intelligence sharing among State Anti-Narcotics Task Forces and other Drug Law Enforcement Agencies. The Minister has called for faster exchanges of information on trafficking routes, repeat offenders, courier networks, source points, financial links and emerging substances. The proposal aims to build on the existing NCORD architecture and the National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders (NIDAAN).
The third proposal focuses on coordinated investigations into the financial networks supporting drug trafficking. Chennithala has called for a structured mechanism involving State Police forces, the Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, FIU-IND and other competent agencies in major NDPS cases involving interstate or international networks.
Investigators, he said, should be equipped to trace hawala channels, mule bank accounts, digital-payment trails and virtual digital assets wherever the evidence leads.
“Following the money must become an integral part of following the drug,” he said.
According to the Minister, the objective should be to dismantle not only the carriers of narcotics but also the financiers and organisers who sustain trafficking networks.
The fourth proposal calls for a structured consultation involving States, enforcement agencies, forensic experts, prosecutors and legal experts to examine emerging legal, procedural and enforcement challenges under the NDPS framework.
The issues identified in the letter include cases in which traffickers are alleged to split consignments in an attempt to remain below commercial-quantity thresholds, delays in forensic examination, prolonged proceedings relating to proceeds of narcotics trafficking, and the rapid emergence of synthetic and new psychoactive substances.
The letter notes that these challenges may not necessarily require legislative amendments. Some could be addressed through changes in rules or procedures, greater forensic capacity, improved investigation protocols or other administrative measures.
Chennithala has also requested the Union Government to convene a conference of the Home Ministers of all States and Union Territories, focusing on interstate narcotics trafficking and implementation of the Vision Document on Drug Control (2026–2029), released by Amit Shah at the 10th Apex-Level NCORD meeting.
Keralam has offered to host the proposed conference.
Chennithala said the meeting could bring States and Central agencies together to share operational experience, develop common protocols and identify gaps requiring coordinated national action. Keralam, he added, would be ready to present its experience under Operation Toofan and work with the Union Government to develop the conference agenda.
“The fight against drugs is a fight for the future of our young people and must rise above political differences,” he said.
Keralam stands ready to work with the Union Government, the NCB and every State and Union Territory to dismantle narcotics networks “from the source to the kingpin,” the Minister said.
Chennithala has also sought an opportunity to discuss the proposals with the Union Home Minister. The proposed measures aim to strengthen interstate cooperation, accelerate intelligence-led investigations and improve efforts to target the financial structures and organisers behind narcotics trafficking.
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