Over 531,000 Drug-Suspects Arrested Since Current Government Took Office

COLOMBO (News 1st): More than 531,000 suspects have been arrested in connection with narcotics-related offences since the current government assumed office.

Police stated that a total of 531,116 suspects have been taken into custody in connection with various drug-related offences since September 23, 2024.

Among the most significant seizures during the period was crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "Ice", with authorities arresting 198,050 suspects and seizing 5,651 kilograms and 110 grams of the drug.

Heroin-related operations also resulted in the arrest of 165,974 suspects, while police recovered 3,423 kilograms and 610 grams of heroin during the same period.

The figures further revealed large-scale seizures of cannabis and Kerala cannabis, with authorities taking into custody a combined quantity of 26,743 kilograms and 385 grams.

Police also reported the arrest of 7,376 suspects linked to the possession and trafficking of Kush and Hashish, recovering a total of 1,720 kilograms and 517 grams of the substances.

Meanwhile, operations targeting cocaine trafficking led to the arrest of 307 suspects, with law enforcement officers seizing 308 kilograms and 557 grams of cocaine.

Authorities also uncovered significant quantities of narcotic tablets and prescription drug-based substances during the crackdown.

According to police records, 4,253,057 narcotic capsules and 7,942,646 narcotic pills were taken into custody during the period.

Those recoveries were made through operations involving 11,713 suspects.