Coastal Drive Launched in Kozhikode to Combat Drug Trafficking

Quick Summary

• The Fisheries department in Kozhikode has initiated an anti-drug awareness campaign targeting coastal areas due to rising incidents of drug trafficking and abuse among youth.
• Kerala Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Board is coordinating the campaign alongside Excise and police enforcement units.
• The focus is on substance addiction affecting fishers, allied workers, and migrants in harbour and fish landing centers.
• Efforts involve local administrators, vigilance committees, harbour management teams, welfare forums, and community participation for effective implementation.
• Youths from fishermen families with notable abilities may be engaged as part of the awareness initiative.
• Expert resource persons are prepared to host field-level sessions focused on prevention in vulnerable coastal communities.
• Police will intensify monitoring of individuals previously involved in drug trafficking activities and address migrants without valid government identity cards.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This campaign underscores Kerala’s proactive stance in combating substance abuse issues within its fishing communities-a sector critical to the state’s economy and livelihood systems. By integrating efforts across administrative bodies, welfare groups, enforcement teams, and community representatives, the strategy reflects a coordinated approach aimed at addressing both preventive education and legal enforcement components effectively.

The inclusion of experienced youths as active participants reinforces grassroots involvement while leveraging local knowledge for greater impact on fieldwork outcomes.Addressing migrant fisher concerns further ensures regulatory compliance while preventing vulnerabilities linked with irregular documentation that could exacerbate illicit activities.

Such measures could serve as a replicable model for other coastal states dealing with similar challenges tied to narcotics trafficking networks near harbours-an area routinely exploited due to high activity levels connected with fishing operations.

Read more: September 10, 2025 11:55 pm IST