{
  "id": 17713064,
  "title": "Over 310,000 arrested in year-long anti-drug drive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/over-310-000-arrested-in-year-long-anti-drug-drive",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T00:01:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/over-310000-arrested-in-year-long-anti-drug-drive/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "According to the Sri Lanka Police, over 310,000 individuals were arrested during the inaugural year of the nationwide anti-drug initiative named 'Ratama Ekata'. The Police Media Division disclosed that the operation involved 310,984 raids carried out across the entire country, spanning from October 30, 2025 to October 29, 2026.\n\nDuring the course of this year-long operation, law enforcement authorities confiscated substantial quantities of illicit substances. They seized 2,836 kilograms and 399 grams of heroin, 3,553 kilograms and 348 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as 'Ice', and 302 kilograms and 262 grams of cocaine.\n\nThe primary objective of the 'Ratama Ekata' campaign was to combat drug trafficking and abuse by addressing both the supply and demand sides of the issue. The initiative entailed bolstering police operations, rehabilitating drug users, implementing preventive measures, and fostering community involvement.\n\nAs part of the enforcement process, detention orders were issued to 3,787 suspects, while investigations into the illicit assets of an additional 450 suspects were initiated. Moreover, 2,622 people were referred for rehabilitation programs under the initiative.",
  "summary": "More than 310,000 suspects have been arrested during the first year of the ‘Ratama Ekata’ national anti-drug operation, according to Sri Lanka Police. The Police Media Division said 310,200 suspects had been arrested in 310,984 raids conducted islandwide, between October 30, 2025, and October 29, 2026. During the year-long operation, police seized 2,836 kg and […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}