Police arrest over 239,000 suspects in nine-month anti-drug drive
by Norman Palihawadane The Police have arrested 239,384 suspects during the past nine months as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on narcotics networks, while initiating investigations into illicit assets linked to the drug trade, Police said on Friday. Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said 995 major drug traffickers were among those arrested, with […]
The Sri Lankan Police have announced the arrest of over 239,000 suspects over a nine-month period as part of an intensified anti-drug campaign. ASP F.U. Wootler, Police Media Spokesman, revealed that 995 major drug traffickers were among those apprehended, with legal action initiated against them through the judicial system. Additionally, investigations have been launched into the illicit assets of 378 individuals suspected of involvement in narcotics-related activities, with legal proceedings initiated to seize assets valued at Rs.
772 million identified in the first few months of 2026. The police also seized significant amounts of narcotics, including 2,253 kilos and 834 grams of heroin, valued at Rs. 49,584 million, 2,640 kilos and 695 grams of crystal methamphetamine, valued at around Rs. 42,251 million, and nearly 3.6 million narcotic tablets. The operations have also highlighted concerns over the increasing involvement of youths in drug-related offenses, with 7,866 persons aged between 18 and 21 and 743 children between 14 and 18 arrested.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
