Thiruvananthapuram, 06 July (H.S.): Kerala's anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, will be expanded to include medical shops that dispense medicines without valid prescriptions, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has announced. He warned that pharmacies violating prescription norms would face stringent legal action, as the government seeks to tighten control over the misuse of prescription drugs for substance abuse.

The Home Minister said he would soon hold discussions with the Health Minister to strengthen enforcement against the illegal sale of medicines that are often misused as intoxicants. He stressed that medicines meant for treating serious illnesses should never be sold without a doctor's prescription and that medical shops have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the law.

According to Chennithala, the government has received reports that certain pharmacies are supplying prescription medicines without verifying medical prescriptions. Such practices, he said, are contributing to the growing problem of drug abuse, as some individuals procure these medicines for non-medical purposes.

He made it clear that the government would not tolerate this trend under any circumstances. If medical shops continue to violate prescription regulations, they too will be brought under the ambit of Operation Toofan, the state's ongoing crackdown against narcotics and drug trafficking networks.

Highlighting the success of the anti-drug drive, Chennithala said Operation Toofan has dealt a significant blow to drug syndicates operating across Kerala. The campaign has intensified surveillance, enforcement and coordinated action against those involved in the narcotics trade, resulting in major breakthroughs in recent months.

The Home Minister also praised the Kerala Police for their efforts in implementing the operation. He said the force has been carrying out commendable work despite facing resistance from drug peddlers and criminal networks. In several instances, police personnel have been assaulted while conducting raids and enforcement operations.

Issuing a stern warning, Chennithala said anyone attacking police officers or obstructing anti-drug operations would face the strongest possible legal action. The government, he added, is committed to protecting law enforcement personnel and ensuring that those engaged in the narcotics trade are brought to justice.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to combating drug abuse, the Home Minister said Operation Toofan would continue to evolve based on emerging challenges. Along with targeting organised drug networks, the campaign will now focus on preventing the misuse of prescription medicines, ensuring that pharmacies adhere strictly to legal and ethical dispensing practices.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman