July 28, Colombo (LNW): A large-scale security operation spanning the entire island has led to the arrest of 1,182 individuals for drug-related offences, according to Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities.
The coordinated effort, which took place on July 26, involved officers from the Sri Lanka Police, the Special Task Force (STF), and personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The multi-agency crackdown targeted both narcotics trafficking and broader criminal networks. During the intensive 24-hour operation, authorities confiscated significant quantities of illicit substances, including over 230 grammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) and more than 220 grammes of heroin.
These seizures mark a notable escalation in the fight against the distribution of hard drugs in urban and rural areas alike.
In addition to narcotics arrests, 20 individuals identified as having direct links to organised crime were taken into custody. The operation also led to the apprehension of 410 people with active arrest warrants for various offences, underscoring the breadth of the sweep.
Security forces inspected more than 24,000 individuals during roadside and community checks, while nearly 10,000 vehicles—including over 7,000 motorcycles—were stopped and examined. Four unlicensed firearms were also recovered, adding a new layer of concern about the illegal weapons trade operating in tandem with drug distribution.
More than 7,600 personnel from across the country’s security apparatus were deployed for the operation, which is being described by officials as one of the most extensive single-day enforcement actions in recent years.
Authorities have urged the public to support these initiatives by providing information about suspicious activity, while reaffirming their commitment to dismantling networks that threaten public safety and undermine the rule of law.
