During the countrywide special operation ‘Yukthiya’ conducted during the 24 hours from 12.30 am on January 2 till 12.30 am on January 3, by the Police and Special Task Force (STF), another 1,182 suspects have been apprehended.
According to the Public Security Ministry, the arrests were made during the 24 hours ending at 12.30 am yesterday (3).
Police had also seized 287 grams of heroin, 246 grams of ICE, 5 kg and 400 grams of cannabis, 19,052 cannabis plants, 104 grams of mawa, a further 95 grams of ICE and 119 narcotic pills during the raids that were carried out countrywide.
Out of the total of 1,182 suspects that were arrested during the operation, 44 suspects are being investigated further on detention orders.
Also, 47 drug addicts have been referred to rehabilitation centres.
Meanwhile, 138 suspects who were on the list of suspects registered by the Police Narcotics Bureau were arrested during this operation.
Over 22,500 suspects have been arrested so far since the launch of the ‘Yukthiya’ on December 17, 2023.
Police and the STF have carried out more than 21,700 raids during the massive countrywide anti-drug and anti-crime operation Yukthiya.
Police have also seized a large quantity of a wide list of narcotics and substances and have also taken over several illegally acquired assets, including properties and vehicles, during the multiple raids that were carried out so far.
A hotline 071 859 8800 has also been set up urging and encouraging the public to contact the Police Headquarters if they have any information about drug-related offenders, underworld activities or any other crime.
Varuna Dayaratne