Colombo (LNW): An island-wide operation targeting drug traffickers and organised crime, initiated on Sunday, resulted in the apprehension of 2,166 individuals, including 88 women, within the past 24 hours, according to the Public Security Ministry.
A total of 2,210 raids were conducted during this period, with more than 800 arrests occurring in the Western Province.
Of the apprehended suspects, 66 are under investigation with detention orders, while 169 are on the Police Narcotics Bureau’s IRC list.
Asset investigations have been initiated against 14 individuals, and 226 have been referred for rehabilitation.
Law enforcement authorities seized significant quantities of illicit substances during the operation, including 1 kg and 370 grams of heroin, 7 kilograms of cannabis, 556 grams of Ice narcotics, 3.5 kilograms of Mawa, and 1,075 narcotic pills.
The island-wide special operation, spanning 45 police divisions, began at 4 a.m. on Sunday and is scheduled to continue until December 23.
It involves collaborative efforts from the Police, Special Task Force (STF), and the armed forces, with a primary focus on combating drug trafficking and organised crime.
