THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s prisons are facing mounting pressure as a surge in arrests linked to the state government’s Operation Toofan anti-drug campaign adds to existing overcrowding and staffing constraints, The New Indian Express reported.

Nearly 10,000 people have been arrested since the crackdown began on June 2, according to the report. Government data showed that 1,005 people accused in cases registered under the operation were remanded in judicial custody and sent to prisons between June 2 and July 23.

The influx comes as Kerala’s prisons are already operating significantly above capacity. The state’s jails currently house 9,979 inmates against a sanctioned capacity of 7,416, leaving authorities with limited space to accommodate new prisoners, the report said.

The situation is particularly acute in the Thiruvananthapuram zone. Poojappura Central Prison, designed to accommodate 727 inmates, is housing about 1,580, more than double its intended capacity.

Other major prisons are also overcrowded. Kannur Central Prison has 1,020 inmates against a capacity of 948, while the prison at Tavanur is accommodating 747 people despite having space for 568.

A prison official cited by The New Indian Express said managing facilities was becoming increasingly difficult as hundreds of new inmates arrived each month, although authorities remained in control of the situation.

The report said prison officials are exploring ways to accommodate the growing inmate population, including transferring prisoners to facilities with available space.

A retired official from Kerala’s prisons and correctional services department said such transfers could provide only temporary relief and that additional prison infrastructure would ultimately be required if inmate numbers continue to rise.

Operation Toofan, launched as a major crackdown on narcotics, has targeted drug-related offences and supply networks across Kerala.