Chennai, May 24 -- In a major statewide crackdown on crime, the Tamil Nadu Police detained 3,246 rowdy elements and arrested 419 drug offenders as part of intensified proactive operations conducted across the state over the last three days, according to an official statement.

The drive, carried out under the direction of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, aims to ensure peace and public safety and strengthen law and order by targeting rowdyism, the narcotics trade and organised criminal networks, the statement from the Office of the Director General of Police/Head of Police Force said on Saturday.

"As per the instructions of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu regarding creation of an atmosphere of peace, public safety and security amo...