Over 2,200 Suspects Arrested in 24 Hours of "Yukthiya" Operation

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities launched a nationwide anti-drug crackdown dubbed "Operation Yukthiya", resulting in the arrest of over 2,296 suspects within the first 24 hours. 

The operation, aimed at curbing drug use and underworld activity, saw extensive collaboration between police, military, and special task forces.

Of the arrested individuals, 85 were women, while 109 underwent further interrogation.

Meanwhile, a significant number, 184 individuals, were identified as requiring rehabilitation and referred for appropriate programs.

Drug seizures during the operation revealed a concerning trend in Mawa (cannabis oil) possession. 

Authorities confiscated over 46 kilograms of the substance, surpassing other recovered drugs like heroin, ice, ganja, hashish, and kush.

Notably, the Western Province accounted for the highest number of arrests, with 953 suspects apprehended.

The operation also yielded results against known drug traffickers. 

A total of 218 individuals listed in the records of the Police Narcotics Bureau and Police Special Bureau were apprehended.

Over 200 army personnel, 200 police officers, and 50 members of the police special task force joined forces to execute the operation.