Only 1,506 of the 4,962 inmates convicted by courts for drug-related offences are currently receiving rehabilitation programmes, the Department of Prisons has informed a Parliamentary committee.

The figures were revealed during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection, chaired by MP Najith Indika.

Prisons officials said rehabilitation is provided to inmates referred through court orders as well as those who voluntarily seek rehabilitation.

However, officials said the existing system does not have the capacity to provide rehabilitation opportunities to all inmates serving sentences for various offences.

The committee discussed strengthening rehabilitation programmes for people addicted to drugs as part of efforts to address overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prisons.

Officials from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board said steps are being taken to expand rehabilitation programmes, recruit additional personnel and strengthen programmes at Divisional Secretariat level across the country.

The committee also discussed difficulties faced by rehabilitated individuals in gaining social acceptance and obtaining certificates of good character.

The need for amendments to relevant laws and regulations to make the rehabilitation process more effective was also highlighted during the discussion.

Officials from the Department of Prisons, Department of Community Based Corrections, Bureau of Rehabilitation and National Dangerous Drugs Control Board participated in the meeting. (Newswire)

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The owner of a leading private tuition class center in Horana has been arrested with 15.250 grams of ICE narcotics in his possession, it was reported.

According to reports, the Police said the suspect, a 44‑year‑old resident of Narthanagala, was taken into custody along with a mobile phone suspected to have been used for drug trafficking, a SIM card, and an electronic scale used to measure narcotics.

Investigations revealed that he is the son of a well‑known businessman in Horana. Officials noted that he attempted to flee when Police arrived at his residence.

Authorities further disclosed that the suspect had previously faced several drug‑related charges. He has now been placed under detention orders for extended questioning.

Police have launched a probe to determine whether he maintains links with drug traffickers, operates a distribution network, or sold ice drugs to children attending tuition classes. (Newswire)

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A major drug bust was carried out last afternoon (19) in the tourist zone of Yaddehimulla, Unawatuna, where the Habaraduwa Police arrested a 32‑year‑old resident of Heenatigala with narcotics and cash valued at over Rs. 7 million.

According to the Police, the suspect was found in possession of 112.260 grams of ICE, 29.700 grams of heroin, 698 grams of hashish, and 500 tablets. 

In addition, officers seized more than Rs. 130,000 in cash, two mobile phones, and a small electronic scale used for drug weighing.

The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth around Rs. 7 million. 

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court today (20), while Habaraduwa Police continue further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed that all institutions must act in line with a coordinated national plan to eliminate Sri Lanka’s drug menace. 

Addressing the meeting of the “A Nation United” National Steering Council at the Presidential Secretariat today (02), attended by the Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas and other religious leaders, the President directed officials to present a detailed report at the next session outlining institutional responsibilities, progress achieved, and programmes implemented under the national plan. 

During the meeting, it was revealed that approximately 70 per cent of the prison population consists of individuals addicted to narcotic substances. Attention was therefore directed towards measures that could be taken in relation to them in order to address the serious issue of prison overcrowding.

The President also inquired into the measures being taken to prevent schoolchildren from becoming involved in drug use. It was noted that 225 programmes, including awareness initiatives for teachers and students, have already been implemented at school level. Discussions have also been held with vice-chancellors and heads of departments at universities and higher educational institutions, leading to the establishment of peer groups among students to carry out awareness programmes.

Attention was further drawn to conducting a nationwide survey on the prevalence of drugs within the school system. The President emphasised the need to establish a committee led by the Ministry of Education, comprising representatives of all relevant institutions, to operate under a common plan aimed at eliminating the drug menace from schools.

It was also decided to convene a special discussion with the owners of private and international schools to involve them in the national drug prevention programme.

Progress in drafting new legislation to ensure the prompt destruction of seized narcotics was reviewed. Attention was also given to introducing an automated system for managing court exhibits and to decentralising laboratory facilities with the support of legal and scientific experts in order to minimise delays in investigations.

The President highlighted the need for a systematic reporting mechanism on seized narcotics and the locations where they are being held as court exhibits. 

The President also stressed the importance of maintaining records on consignments awaiting Government Analyst reports, consignments for which reports have already been obtained and quantities retained as court exhibits.

It was further noted that the draft legislation on the rehabilitation of persons addicted to narcotic substances has now been finalised and will be gazetted shortly.

Attention was also focused on introducing drug testing kits to the market through pharmacies, enabling parents to check privately whether their children have become involved in drug use.

Extensive discussions were held on establishing modern facilities for the Police Narcotics Bureau, improving the efficiency of the Department of the Government Analyst, adopting modern technological methods for obtaining analyst reports and introducing the necessary amendments to legislation relating to dangerous drugs.

To prevent narcotics from entering the country via maritime routes, the Navy, Police and intelligence services are implementing a joint special operational plan.

Discussions also focused on preventing the distribution of drugs by boat, the legislative amendments required in this regard and strengthening the legal authority to confiscate vehicles used for drug trafficking, including multi-day fishing vessels. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the Government to adopt Singapore‑style punishments against drug traffickers, stressing that those engaged in narcotics and crime must be punished without discrimination.

Speaking in Parliament today (25) in response to the President’s remarks, Premadasa said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya stands firmly on the policy of eradicating narcotics, drugs, and poisonous substances from the country, and that no individual connected to such crimes has any place within the party.

He rejected the President’s claim that the Opposition acts against anti‑drug measures, insisting that justice and the rule of law must be enforced to destroy drugs.

Premadasa pointed out that even the school system and younger generation have been attacked by narcotics, warning that traffickers must be arrested and imprisoned with taxpayers’ money, without being allowed to continue their operations from prison.

He reiterated that Sri Lanka must now implement Singapore’s strict punishment system to deter drug trafficking.

The Opposition Leader further underscored that any crime committed within the State is wrong and must be opposed, adding that the eradication of narcotics remains both the people’s expectation and the Opposition’s demand. (Newswire)

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The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) has arrested a man in the Kotahena area with more than 3 kilos of ‘ICE’ narcotics and a stock of heroin, it was reported.

The suspect was taken into custody during a raid carried out based on intelligence received by the PNB.

Officers have recovered 3.944 kilos of ICE worth over Rs. 60 million, 215 grams of heroin, and Rs. 650,000 in cash from the suspect’s possession.

The suspect remains in custody as further investigations continue. (Newswire)

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Police in Negombo have arrested two suspects in connection with a drug trafficking operation allegedly run through online money transfer transactions.

According to the Police, acting on intelligence, officers raided the Kattuwa area in the Negombo Police Division on Sunday (21), seizing multiple narcotics and assets. 

The suspects, aged 29 and 31, were taken into custody along with 1.34 kilos of hashish, 7.420 grams of ‘ICE’ narcotics, and 8.860 grams of heroin.

Authorities also confiscated Rs. 351,200 believed to be proceeds of narcotics trafficking, as well as two motor vehicles suspected to have been used in the illicit trade.

The arrested individuals, residents of Mount Lavinia and Udugampola, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Negombo Police Station. Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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A 55‑year‑old luxury bus driver from Okawela has died after a packet of ‘ICE’ narcotics hidden inside his stomach ruptured, causing fatal poisoning.

According to reports, the Police said the driver, who was employed on a bus operating along the Tangalle–Makumbura route of the Southern Expressway, suddenly fell seriously ill shortly after the bus reached its destination on Monday (08).

He was rushed to the Tangalle Base Hospital but succumbed while receiving treatment.

A post‑mortem examination conducted at the Tangalle Hospital yesterday revealed two drug packets had been ingested and were found inside his stomach. 

Medical officers confirmed that one packet had burst, releasing the substance into his bloodstream and leading to his death.

The Police have launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court has ordered the seizure of properties worth around Rs. 30 million, allegedly purchased with illegally earned money by the second husband of a female drug trafficker residing in Thotalanga.

According to the Police, the order was issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, following a complaint submitted by the Inspector General of Police to the Illegal Assets Investigation Division.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had acquired two plots of land, measuring 1.30 perches and 0.75 perches, along with a luxury house in Thotalanga, using proceeds from drug trafficking.

The High Court extended and enforced the confiscation order for seven days, effective from today (05).

The Illegal Assets Investigation Division is conducting further inquiries. (Newswire)

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A married couple from Borella has been arrested by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division in connection with long‑running drug trafficking operations, with their property and financial assets frozen under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

According to the Police, the suspects, aged 32 and 37, were taken into custody in Athurugiriya yesterday (20). 

Investigations revealed that since 2017, the pair had engaged in drug trafficking through the ‘eZ Cash’ digital payment method, depositing illicit proceeds into accounts held under the female suspect’s mother.

Authorities uncovered that the suspects had purchased a six‑perch plot of land and a house in Athurugiriya’s Oruwala Shanthalokagama, Koratota, in December 2023 for approximately Rs. 3 million using illegally earned funds.

As a result, the land and house have been frozen for seven days starting May 20, pending further legal action.

The probe also extends to six bank accounts maintained under the names of the suspects and the female suspect’s mother, as well as a luxury car purchased under the male suspect’s name.

The Police added that further investigations are underway to trace the full extent of assets linked to the drug trafficking operation. (Newswire)

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Police in Kalutara South, together with officials from the National Transport Medical Institute, carried out a special operation on Tuesday (19) to check passenger bus drivers and conductors for narcotic use.

According to the Police, the operation was conducted under the instructions of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety. 

During the inspections, eight bus drivers and one conductor were found to be under the influence of drugs while engaged in passenger transport services.

The suspects, aged between 35 and 57, are residents of Payagala, Yatiyana, Dodamgoda, Thebuwana, Meegahathenna, and Kalutara South. 

They were taken into custody and presented to the Kalutara South Police Station. 

Police said further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs officers arrested a 29‑year‑old Indian national after seizing 4.389 kilos of marijuana/hashish concealed in his luggage.

The suspect, a business employee, had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday (12).

Customs Narcotics Control Unit officials intercepted him at the Bandaranaike International Airport’s green channel arrival, with two pieces of luggage, where the narcotics were hidden.

The seized stock is valued at Rs. 43,890,000. The suspect and the contraband were handed over to the Police Narcotics Unit for further investigation.

Sri Lanka Customs noted that the arrest came a day after the department surpassed a special milestone in revenue collection for 2026, reaching the Rs.1 trillion mark. (Newswire)

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Twenty‑three (23) monks arrested in connection with smuggling Kush and Hash drugs from Thailand were today ordered to be remanded until May 26 by Negombo Magistrate Subhani Abeysekara.

The suspects were produced before the court after being taken into custody at Katunayake Airport on April 25, when 112 kilograms of Kush and Hash were discovered in their luggage upon arrival from Thailand.

Police investigations revealed that the operation had allegedly been organized by a monk named Amithananda. He was later arrested while hiding at a temple in the Gampaha area.

The group of monks had reportedly returned from a tour in Thailand when they were intercepted by airport authorities. 

All 23 suspects were remanded once again today. (Newswire)

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Former President Maithripala Sirisena has revealed that a group of Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers, once honoured with Presidential Awards for major drug seizures, were later found to be connected to drug lords and underworld figures.

Speaking at an event, Sirisena recalled that during his presidency, he ordered the destruction of narcotics worth millions, seized by the PNB. 

Based on the bureau’s recommendations, he presented Presidential Awards to the officers involved.

“Within a week or two of the awards, it came to light that they were the main persons associated with drug lords and underworld figures, and were involved in the drug business,” Sirisena said.

The former president further highlighted concerns over corruption and infiltration within law enforcement, and the need to safeguard accountability in Sri Lanka’s fight against narcotics. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted a multi‑day local fishing vessel transporting a large consignment of narcotics during a special operation south of the island.

According to the Navy, the long‑range patrol craft carried out the operation in deep-sea waters, leading to the seizure of the vessel along with four suspects on board. 

The vessel was found carrying sacks suspected to contain narcotics.

The Navy confirmed that the vessel, the consignment, and the suspects are being escorted ashore for further investigations and legal proceedings. (Newswire)

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The Police Illegal Assets Investigation Division has seized properties worth Rs. 150 million belonging to a suspected drug trafficker in Moratuwa, believed to have been purchased with money earned through illegal activities.

According to the Police, investigations were launched following a complaint that the suspect, a 46‑year‑old resident of Soysapura, Moratuwa, had acquired assets through drug trafficking. He was arrested yesterday (25) in the Horethuduwa area.

The Police state that the suspect owned a house valued at Rs. 50 million on 11 perches of land in Keselwatta, Panadura, and a three‑storied house valued at Rs. 100 million on 16 perches of land in Moratuwa. 

Both properties have been temporarily confiscated for seven days under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 5 of 2006.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Moratuwa Magistrate’s Court today (26), while the Police Illegal Assets Investigation Division is carrying out further investigations. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, announced that 29 major drug suppliers providing narcotics to Sri Lanka have been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He made this statement while participating in the nationwide drug operation program held in Trincomalee.

“This is a business used to seek Easy Money. We know three businesses are connected to this. There is underworld crime linked with drugs. There is illegal arms trafficking linked with the underworld. Drugs, the underworld, and illegal weapons together have become this black business. This grew because political authority was behind it. Diyawanna (Parliament) is what nourished it. Their election campaigns were funded by the money coming through this black business,” he said. 

Highlighting the supply and demand aspect of the narcotics trade, the Deputy Minister said previous governments did not touch the supply network, but the present government has decided it must go to the top links of the supply chain.

“There are two components in this black business. One is the supply network. The other is the demand. They bring it by boat to the Trincomalee port. The young people here are used to take it. So we thought of eliminating the demand. The current government decided that we must go to the top links of the supply chain. These links were stopped at the seashore. These links were stopped at the airport. Our Police Department decided, and CID officers went to Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan, and by now arrests have been made. We have in our hands 29 of the strongest suppliers. Especially the criminals brought from Indonesia are confessing. As a result, some people are now in panic,” he added. (Newswire)

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A suspect preparing to throw a bag containing ICE narcotics, tobacco, mobile phones, and phone chargers over the wall of the Galle Prison was arrested yesterday (20), it was reported. 

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, the Police Special Task Force (STF) said the suspect was arrested in the Kandewatta area in Galle.

The suspect, a 30‑year‑old resident of Galle, was taken into custody inside his residence following information received by STF officers attached to the Akmeemana camp.

During the search, STF officers recovered 2.590 grams of ICE narcotics, 110 grams of tobacco, 540 grams of rolled tobacco, four mobile phones, and 23 mobile phone chargers.

The arrested suspect has been handed over to the Galle Police Station for further investigations. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police has announced the launch of a new WhatsApp hotline to strengthen crime prevention efforts in the Western Province.

The number, 0777128128, will operate around the clock, allowing the public to share information on crimes, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. 

According to the Police, messages sent through the hotline will be directed to the Special Operations Centre established at the Office of the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Western Province.

The Police have assured that the confidentiality of individuals providing information will be protected. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy has seized two multi-day fishing trawlers off the Southern Coast with narcotics on board.

According to Navy Media Spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath, one multi-day fishing trawler was seized with over 123 kilos of heroin valued at over Rs. 3 billion.

He said five suspects were also arrested during an operation conducted today (16) based on a tip-off from the Coast Guard and Police. 

The vessel has been brought to the Dickkowita Fisheries Harbour for further investigations. 

Meanwhile, a second multi-day fishing trawler has been seized off the coast of Beruwala today, Commander Buddhika Sampath said. 

According to the Navy Media spokesperson, the vessel was found to be carrying parcels of narcotics, which are yet to be inspected.

Six suspects were arrested following an operation conducted based on a tip-off by the Navy Intelligence.

The vessel is being brought to the Dickkowita Fisheries Harbour for further investigations.

Watch : https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LKf6S2r1G/  (Newswire)

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