Operation Toofan to trace drug money through UPI, crypto wallets

Cryptocurrency concepts. 3D render | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphotos

Three months after the formal launch of the anti-drug enforcement drive, the Keralam government has framed guidelines for Operation Toofan, which has already achieved considerable success in the State.

Besides cracking down on drug rackets, the Kerala Police aims to trail narcotics money through bank accounts, UPI transactions and crypto wallets. Specialised teams will also target trafficking routes from the dark web to interstate rail corridors as part of the campaign.

The operational guidelines, approved by the Home Department, envisage a coordinated campaign combining intelligence-led enforcement, financial investigation, prevention, rehabilitation and community mobilisation.

The campaign was launched on June 2 with the key objective of curbing the use and distribution of narcotic drugs among school and college students, creating public awareness about drug abuse and rehabilitating drug-dependent persons through counselling and other support services.

The operational framework envisages a shift from targeting individual users to dismantling the networks behind the drug trade. Financiers, suppliers, transporters and habitual peddlers will be the primary targets, while rehabilitation pathways will be provided for those affected by substance dependence.