With complaints surfacing that drug peddlers are exploiting food delivery networks to move narcotics across the State, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday warned of stringent action against delivery agents found involved in the illegal trade.

Speaking to reporters here, the Minister said the government had received complaints that drugs were being sold and transported through food delivery platforms. Allegations have surfaced that delivery personnel associated with services such as Swiggy and Zomato were being used as conduits for narcotics distribution.

“Such activities must stop immediately. If they continue, the government will not hesitate to take stringent action,” warned Mr. Chennithala

As part of the State’s intensified anti narcotics campaign, Operation Toofan, police officers have been directed not to entertain any recommendations or outside interventions in cases registered under the drive, he said.

The Minister also revealed that ambulances would come under heightened scrutiny following reports that some vehicles were being misused for drug trafficking.

On Mission Samudra, announced in the State Budget, Mr. Chennithala said the proposal was still at the conceptual stage and that extensive stakeholder consultations would precede its implementation. Key issues, including private sector participation and mineral sand mining, would be decided only after detailed discussions, he said.

Responding to questions on the proposal to lower taxes on low alcohol beverages, the Minister noted that the Congress had opposed the move while in the Opposition, citing allegations of corruption.

“Perhaps the government is moving ahead now because it is convinced there is no corruption involved,” he remarked, adding that the issue would be taken up by the Cabinet as part of a broader discussion on the State’s liquor policy.

Mr. Chennithala also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing the Haripad Medical College as a fully government owned institution.

While the project had initially been conceived under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, the circumstances had since changed, he said. The Government Medical College at Vandanam, he said, is already burdened with patient numbers well beyond its capacity.

Construction work on the Haripad Medical College will begin shortly, with the aim of starting admissions by the next academic year, he added.

Asked about the appointment of a new Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, Mr. Chennithala said the decision rested entirely with the Congress high command. He, however, noted that the party currently has a full time president in the State.