Thiruvananthapuram, June 2 -- Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday called the drug distribution centres and networks "merchants of death" as the State launches a "major mission" against drug use.

"A major mission to free Keralam from the grip of drugs begins today. Drug distribution centres and networks that are leading young people astray are highly active in Keralam. They are merchants of death. Some individuals are operating as part of an international drug trafficking network in a highly organised manner. The Kerala Police will move forward with strong measures," he said.

The Minister further said that the Keralam police have come up with a strategy to launch a crackdown on the distribution centres and networks.

"I h...