Mini Antony Kerala Mother Behind Anti Drug Drive Operation Toofan Vd Satheesan Ramesh Chennithala

As police in Kerala intensified their anti-drug crackdown, named “Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt”, attention has turned to homemaker Mini Antony, whose intervention 12 years ago had prompted the state to launch a similar drive against narcotics.

While honouring Mini, Chennithala said she had met him in 2014 to raise concerns over the spread of narcotics among students, prompting the government to initiate a statewide awareness campaign focused on educational institutions.

“I was deeply worried about the increasing use of ganja among school students in the coastal villages of Vypin. I had approached the local police and the Excise Department, but they did not take the issue seriously. As a mother of a school-going son, I was anxious,” she said.

Mini, who had earlier worked at a children’s rehabilitation centre, said Chennithala gave her a patient hearing and directed the then Ernakulam District Collector to intervene.

Mini said she continues to be involved in anti-drug initiatives.

“The abuse of synthetic drugs has increased alarmingly. Youngsters who do not receive adequate parental attention are particularly vulnerable. I often take addicts to de-addiction or counselling centres, depending on the severity of their condition,” she said.

According to the state police, the ongoing Operation Toofan has led to the registration of 4,037 cases and 4,340 arrests in the 26 days since it was launched.

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More