Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday lauded auto-rickshaw drivers for supporting the police in the state's anti-drug campaign, 'Operation Toofan', and urged them to stay vigilant against related activities.

In a Facebook post, the minister said the participation of auto-rickshaw drivers had strengthened the campaign against drug abuse.

Chennithala's remarks came after the Kerala police recently organised an event for auto-rickshaw drivers in Thiruvananthapuram as part of Operation Toofan.

"The police and you wear the same khaki. It symbolises the same sense of duty. Therefore, you should consider the police your friends and be ready to share information necessary for the safety of the state," Chennithala said.

He said every 'Operation Toofan' sticker displayed on an auto-rickshaw symbolised a pledge to protect children and society from the drug menace.

Congratulating the auto-rickshaw drivers who joined the initiative, the minister thanked them for their commitment and called for collective efforts to eradicate the drug menace and ensure peace and safety in the state.