New Delhi, Nov. 9 -- Kerala is stepping up its fight against drug abuse, with the state government announcing November 16 as the launch date for the next phase of its anti-narcotics campaign, Operation Toofan.

The upcoming initiative, called 'Toofan Care', will focus on rehabilitating people struggling with drug addiction and helping them return to normal life, alongside the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced the development on Monday, saying that 35 hospitals across the state had been prepared to provide rehabilitation facilities. The initiative marks an expansion of the government's strategy, which initially focused on identifying drug networks, conducting raids and taking...