Three Sri Lankan nationals are among seven suspects arrested in Kuwait during separate drug‑related operations, according to a report by Arab Times Kuwait. 

The arrests were carried out by the General Department for Drug Enforcement Authority as part of ongoing security operations targeting narcotics trafficking networks.

The suspects include a Kuwaiti citizen, an Indian national, and two Bedouns (stateless individuals), in addition to the three Sri Lankans. 

Authorities said the group was found in possession of narcotics and psychotropic substances prepared for trafficking and personal use, along with packaging and distribution equipment.

Seized items included 2.550 kilograms of hashish, 150 grams of heroin, and 20 grams of methamphetamine. 

Officials also recovered large quantities of prescription and controlled medications intended for illegal distribution, including 6,350 capsules of Lyrica, 500 tablets of Captagon, 50 tablets of Xanax, and 50 tablets of methadone. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested 971 individuals during nationwide raids conducted yesterday (30) as part of drug eradication measures. 

According to the Police, 22 suspects against whom detention orders have been obtained were also arrested during this period. 

Ten (10) individuals taken into custody have been sent to rehabilitation centres. 

The Police have also seized a total of 735 grams of heroin, 2.422 kilos of ICE, 603 grams of cannabis, 01 gram of kush, and 27 grams of hashish. 

The arrests and narcotics seizures were done during the 987 raids conducted islandwide. (Newswire)

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The Police have opened fire at a vehicle that had failed to heed their orders to stop during a drug raid in Piliyandala on Thursday (July 04). 

According to media reports, the suspect had crashed his car onto the three-wheeler carrying the Police Officers involved in the raid. 

After the suspect had attempted to flee, the Police officers resorted to opening fire during which the suspect sustained injuries to his foot. 

The Police officers later apprehended the suspect when he had sought admission at a hospital to treat his injured foot. 

The incident occurred when a group of officers attached to the Athurugiriya Police had engaged in a raid in the Piliyandala area yesterday to apprehend a wanted drug dealer.

The Police said while attempting to arrest an individual who was said to be transporting drugs in a car, the said suspect had crashed his car into the Police three-wheeler and had attempted to flee the area. 

The incident had prompted the Police officers to open fire on the suspect. (Newswire)

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The Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Police has seized around Rs. 134 million worth of properties and vehicles during the islandwide special operation ‘Yukthiya’ conducted today (Dec 22). 

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoom said the seized properties include a 4 storied villa near Hikkaduwa and a 3 storied building near the Mahamodara Bridge.

He further said that the seized vehicles include a 45 ft multi-day trawler, a van, and an SUV.

Acting IGP Tennakoon added that the illegal assets allegedly belong to those engaged in drugs or illegal activities in Galle, Habaraduwa, and Hikkaduwa.

At least 10,000 suspects have been apprehended during the islandwide special operation ‘Yukthiya’ carried out by the Police and its Special Task Force (STF) to curtail illegal and drug-related activities in Sri Lanka. 

The arrests and seizure of illegal assets have been made since the launch of the special operation last weekend. (NewsWire)

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Over 1800 suspects were arrested during the islandwide special operation ‘Yukthiya’ carried out by the Police and its Special Task Force (STF) yesterday until 12.30 am today.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, a total of 1,865 suspects have been apprehended during the special operation conducted to tackle the drug menace in Sri Lanka. 

The ministry said that investigations are also underway into the assets and belongings of 40 suspects among them.

The Public Security Ministry added that 134 of the suspects have been referred for rehabilitation.

Nearly 10,000 suspects have been apprehended since the launch of the ‘Yukthiya’ island-wide special operation last weekend. 

The Police have seized several illegal assets and large stocks of narcotics during the operations.

They also seized property worth approximately Rs. 92 million, including vehicles, land, houses and gold, allegedly purchased using drug money during the operation conducted yesterday.  (NewsWire)

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Intelligence reports indicate the involvement of 4,665 individuals in drug trafficking and underworld activities in Sri Lanka, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said. 

Providing clarification on the special Police operation ‘Yukthiya’ being carried out islandwide, the minister said orders have been given to arrest all the individuals involved in drug trafficking and underworld activities.

As a result, 731 people have been arrested in the last four days alone, including those not initially mentioned in intelligence reports. Additionally, 8,451 others have been arrested, with 346 in detention, 61 undergoing asset investigations and 697 referred for rehabilitation.

During these operations, the police have successfully seized a substantial quantity of drugs, including marijuana, hashish, heroin and ice valued at Rs. 431 million in the past four days. 

When considering assets such as vehicles, houses and properties belonging to the suspects as liabilities, their total value amounts to around Rs. 162 million. All confiscated items will undergo legal proceedings for forfeiture, the minister said. 

Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles further declared an unwavering commitment to continuing the operation to suppress drug trafficking and underworld activities in the country, regardless of external pressures. Minister Alles emphasized that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has wholeheartedly endorsed the operation, ensuring that it will persist despite any potential impacts.

Minister Alles underscored the significance of public support, drawing parallels between the backing received to end the thirty-year war and the current necessity for a united front against drugs and underworld activities. He expressed the vision of creating an environment where future generations can live free from fear or doubt.

The minister made the remarks during a media briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre today (Dec 21). 

Minister Tiran Alles’ full statement:

The special operation known as “Yukthiya” (Justice), implemented throughout the island, has become the subject of widespread discussion within the country. Despite ongoing issues with drugs and underworld activities, it was imperative to take decisive action to curb these activities. Thus, the “Yukthiya” operation was initiated with the primary goal of putting an end to drug trafficking and underworld activities in the country. Special responsibilities have been assigned to community police committees in this regard.

The success of this operation hinges on the support of the people, particularly the media. Just as there was collective support for the security forces during the war, a similar unity is crucial now. While the Three Decades’ War was confined to the North and East, the current situation has spread throughout the entire country. Public support serves as a formidable strength for the police and therefore, it is requested that the public provides necessary support and accurate information for the success of this operation. With such support, it is believed that drug trafficking and underworld activities can be eradicated from the country by June of next year.

The Navy has initiated a special operation to prevent the smuggling of drugs into the country through the sea routes. The operation focuses on disrupting the distribution network, stopping underworld activities associated with drug trafficking, and paying special attention to drug users. Instructions have been given to the Inspector General of Police to concentrate on apprehending drug dealers rather than drug addicts.

Intelligence reports indicate the involvement of 4,665 individuals in drug trafficking and the underworld. Orders have been given to arrest all these individuals, resulting in the arrest of 731 people in the last four days alone, including those not initially mentioned in intelligence reports. Additionally, 8,451 others have been arrested, with 346 in detention, 61 undergoing asset investigations and 697 referred for rehabilitation.

During these operations, the police have successfully seized a substantial quantity of drugs, including marijuana, hashish, heroin and ice valued at Rs. 431 million in the past four days. When considering assets such as vehicles, houses and properties belonging to the suspects as liabilities, their total value amounts to around Rs. 162 million. All confiscated items will undergo legal proceedings for forfeiture.

Prior to commencing this operation, discussions were held with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who shares the stance that drug trafficking and underworld activities must be eradicated from the country. With the President’s blessings, this operation will persist despite any external influence. The commitment is to create an environment where drugs and underworld activities can be eliminated, ensuring that future generations can live without fear or doubt.

Moreover, concerns have been raised about the abuse of children and women. To address these issues, instructions have been given to introduce a special hotline, similar to the police emergency number, from the first week of January. Women police officers will operate under this dedicated phone number, recognizing that women may hesitate to share their problems with male police officers. Furthermore, plans are underway to introduce a new hotline specifically for submitting complaints in Tamil.” (NewsWire)

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Over 2000 suspects have been apprehended in the islandwide special operation carried out by the Police and its Special Task Force (STF) within the last 24 hours ending at 06.00 am today.

A total of 2008 individuals were arrested during this period as part of the Police special operation ‘Yukthiya’ carried out to curb the drug menace in Sri Lanka. 

The Police have also seized 2.4 kilos of heroin, 1.2 kilos of ICE, 12 kilos of Cannabis, and 17,054 narcotic pills during the special operation.

The Ministry of Public Security also revealed that illegal assets worth Rs. 92 million belonging to drug dealers ‘Asanka, Sriyani, and Ladiya have also been seized.

According to the ministry, the illegal assets include 3 buses, 2 cars, a house, and four plots of land. 

They were seized by the Illegal Assets & Properties Investigation Division of the Police. 

A total of over 8000 suspects have been arrested during the special operation ‘Yukthiya’ carried out over the last four days. (NewsWire)

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Over 2000 suspects have been arrested in the islandwide special operation carried out by the Police Special Task Force (STF) in the last 24 hours ending at 06.00 am today.

The Ministry of Public Security said a total of 2,296 suspects were arrested during this period. 

The Police had also recovered 1.1 kilos of heroin, 648 grams of ICE, 126,060 cannabis plants, and 19,507 narcotic pills. 

Over 6000 suspects have been apprehended since the islandwide special operation was launched over the last weekend. 

The Police STF also took into custody eight (08) vehicles valued at nearly Rs. 68 million which reportedly belong to drug dealers. 

The islandwide special operations are being conducted in a bid to tackle the drug menace in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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Over 2000 suspects have been arrested in an islandwide special operation conducted by the Police Special Task Force (STF) in the last 24 hours ending at 12.30 am.

The Ministry of Public Security said a total of 2,166 suspects have been arrested in connection with drug offences. 

The Police have also seized 13 kilos of heroin, 07 kilos of cannabis, and 1,075 narcotic pills during the special operation. 

The Police have been engaged in special operations over the last two days to tackle the spreading drug menace in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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High Courts in Sri Lanka have sentenced 09 suspects, including foreign nationals, who were apprehended during three raids conducted by the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit since 2016 on large-scale drug operations.

According to the Police, two Iranians and five Pakistanis who were arrested for the possession of 45.654 kilos of heroin in April 2020 were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Colombo High Court on June 26, 2023.

Meanwhile, an individual who was arrested in Pannipitiya for the possession of 38.7 grams of heroin and remanded by the Homagama Magistrate’s Court in December 2016, has been sentenced to life by the Homagama High Court on June 28, 2023. 

A Nigerian who was arrested for the possession of 1.744 kilos of cocaine in May 2016 and later remanded has been sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court on July 06, 2023. (NewsWire)

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