National Programme for the Eradication of Drugs announced

26-Oct-2025

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala announced that the National Programme for the Eradication of Drugs will commence on October 30.

This programme will be carried out under the theme “National Unity – National Movement”, and the inauguration ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the Sugathadasa Stadium, he stated.

The Minister further noted that four main sectors — the National Council on Drug Abuse, District Councils, Regional Councils, and Public Safety Committees — will unite in support of this programme.

According to police statistics, in operations conducted last year, 1,482 kilograms and 820 grams of heroin were seized, and 59,243 suspects were arrested.

Additionally, 2,542 kilograms and 454 grams of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) were seized, leading to 67,762 arrests.

Furthermore, 582 kilograms and 136 grams of hashish were confiscated, resulting in 1,444 arrests, while 14,434 kilograms and 468 grams of cannabis were seized with 59,482 arrests.

32 kilograms and 642 grams of cocaine were also seized, and 86 suspects were arrested.

In addition, 39,617 narcotic tablets were recovered, and 2,921 suspects involved in distribution were arrested.