The Sri Lanka Police and Special Task Force (STF) have seized significant quantities of narcotics as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug-related offences, with over 900 kilograms of heroin confiscated and nearly 10,000 arrests made so far this year.
Recent operations yielded more than 20 kg of ‘ice’ (crystal methamphetamine), over 2 kg of heroin, and upwards of 527 kg of ganja (cannabis). These seizures contribute to a year-to-date total of approximately 9.3 tonnes of kush and ganja, 907 kg of heroin, 21 kg of cocaine, and 313 kg of hashish.
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that the surge in seizures reflects enhanced law enforcement efforts rather than an increase in drug inflows. Over the past four to five months, surveillance and arrests have doubled, signalling a more focused approach to dismantling drug networks.
Wijepala detailed a two-pronged national strategy targeting both supply and demand reduction. Given Sri Lanka’s island geography, authorities are working closely with the Navy, Customs, airports, and seaports to intercept drugs entering via air and sea routes.
On the demand side, the government has planned over 6,000 awareness workshops nationwide, with nearly 2,400 already conducted. Police have been instructed to collaborate with schools to run ongoing three-month drug prevention programmes.
While progress has been made in curbing demand, Minister Wijepala stressed that the primary challenge remains preventing narcotics from entering the country. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, maintaining a firm stance against the drug trade.
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