Over 36,000 arrested in drug-related offences in past year

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Excise Department states that  36,067 persons have been arrested in illegal liquor and narcotics raids during the past year, and fines imposed on the arrested suspects add up to Rs. 116 million.

Its Media Spokesperson, Kapila Kumarasinghe stated that out of the 36,067 arrested, 4,882 have been identified as women.

The majority, 18,572 suspects, have been arrested for possession, transportation and sale of illegally manufactured spirits.

Meanwhile, 2,296 persons have been arrested for possession of heroin while the the total value of the items seized during the raids has been calculated to be over Rs. 400 million.