Thousands Of Teens Arrested in Sri Lanka's Anti-Drug War

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have revealed the scale of their ongoing anti-drug operations, announcing that 239,384 suspects have been arrested over the past nine months as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle narcotics networks, target major traffickers and investigate illicit wealth linked to the drug trade.

Speaking on the progress of the operations, Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said that among those arrested were 995 major drug traffickers, against whom legal action has already been initiated through Sri Lanka's judicial system.

Police have also expanded investigations beyond drug seizures, launching asset probes into 378 individuals suspected of having links to narcotics-related activity.

According to the Police Media Spokesman, a total of 2,253 kilograms and 834 grams of heroin have been taken into police custody during the period under review. The seized heroin is estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 49,584 million.

Authorities have also confiscated 2,640 kilograms and 695 grams of Ice, also known as crystal methamphetamine, with the total value of those seizures estimated at Rs. 42,251 million.

In addition, nearly 3.6 million narcotic pills have been seized during the operations.

The figures also highlighted growing concerns over youth involvement in drug-related offences. Police said 7,866 young people between the ages of 18 and 21 had been arrested, while a further 743 children between the ages of 14 and 18 were taken into custody in connection with various offences linked to narcotics.

ASP Wootler noted that public support has played a significant role in the success of the operations. As part of the special anti-drug initiative, Police introduced the dedicated hotline 1818, which has generated valuable intelligence from the public.

He said information received through the hotline is acted upon efficiently and in strict confidence, enabling law enforcement officers to carry out targeted raids and investigations.

Meanwhile, authorities have initiated legal processes to vest properties worth approximately Rs. 772 million with the State during the first few months of 2026. The Illegal Assets Investigation Division has also urged members of the public to provide information on unlawfully acquired wealth through its dedicated hotline, 0112 121 942.

Police further revealed that through Interpol Red Notices issued during 2025 and 2026, arrangements have already been made to secure the return of 35 individuals to Sri Lanka. Efforts are also being expedited against another 94 individuals through additional Red Notices that are expected to be pursued during this year and beyond.

In a further demonstration of the crackdown's scale, Sri Lanka Police said they had successfully destroyed a total of 4,553 kilograms and 379 grams of illicit narcotics between 2024 and 2026.