January 29, Colombo (LNW): In the latest developments of the islandwide special operation to crackdown illicit activities including drug dealing code-named ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) executed by the Police Special Task Force (STF), an additional 836 suspects have been apprehended.
These arrests transpired during multiple raids conducted from yesterday until 12:30 am today (29), according to the Ministry of Public Security.
During the course of the operation, law enforcement recovered a substantial quantity of narcotics, including 142 grams of heroin, 95 grams of crystal methamphetamine (‘ICE’), and 1650 narcotic pills.
Notably, detention orders have been obtained against six of the apprehended suspects, while one individual, grappling with narcotics addiction, has been transferred to a rehabilitation centre.
While ‘Yukthiya’ was initiated in December 2023 with the primary objective of curtailing drug-related activities across Sri Lanka, it is essential to note that this operation has been surrounded by allegations of human rights violations.
Critics and human rights advocates have raised concerns about the potential misuse of power and the need for ensuring due process and the protection of individual rights throughout the course of such operations.
