September 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s law enforcement authorities have reported significant progress in their ongoing campaign against drug trafficking, organised crime, and unlawful possession of firearms, with large-scale operations conducted across the island throughout the year.
According to the latest update released by Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent F.U. Wootler, anti-narcotics and anti-crime efforts have resulted in the confiscation of vast quantities of illicit substances.
Among the narcotics seized to date are approximately 955 kilogrammes of heroin, 1,422 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ICE), 471 kilogrammes of hashish, 29 kilogrammes of cocaine, and over 13,770 kilogrammes of cannabis. In addition, authorities have intercepted some 3.5 million narcotic tablets, believed to be part of large-scale smuggling operations.
The intensified operations, launched earlier this year, have also disrupted numerous criminal networks. Police have recovered a total of 1,721 illegal firearms, including 61 T-56 assault rifles and 62 handguns. Since January, 328 individuals linked to gun-related violence have been taken into custody, among them hired shooters, motorcycle getaway drivers, and other associates involved in planning or executing attacks.
ASP Wootler noted that the momentum of these efforts has been sustained through daily targeted operations, which have been in place since January 12. In that period, over 5.1 million people have been stopped and searched, leading to the arrest of more than 104,000 suspects. Among those, 4,630 have been identified as being directly involved in ongoing criminal activity.
Traffic enforcement has also seen a surge in activity, with nearly 47,000 individuals arrested for driving under the influence. In parallel, more than 3,400 drivers have faced legal action for reckless driving offences, a sign of the growing emphasis on public safety on the roads.
