Police have initiated proceedings to vest approximately Rs. 3.8 billion in illegally obtained assets with the government as part of the 'Ratama Ekata' national operation targeting drug-related crimes.
Sri Lankan law enforcement has begun formal steps to transfer over Rs. 3.8 billion in seized illegal assets to state control, according to Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler. The assets were confiscated between 2024 and 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking across the country.
The asset seizures have occurred in phases, with authorities deactivating or confiscating Rs. 1.49 billion worth of illegal property during 2024. Legal proceedings were initiated in 2025 to vest an additional Rs. 1.55 billion, while efforts to confiscate assets valued at Rs. 772 million commenced in 2026. Wootler disclosed these details during a media briefing on the progress of the "Ratama Ekata" operation held on Friday.
The broad anti-drug initiative has resulted in significant enforcement action beyond asset seizures. Police have arrested 239,384 suspects on drug-related charges and filed cases against 995 major traffickers. Investigations have been launched into the assets of 378 individuals in police custody, while detention orders have been issued against 3,287 suspects. During the nine-month period of the operation, authorities have recovered substantial quantities of narcotics, including approximately 2,253 kilograms of heroin, 2,640 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 293 kilograms of cocaine, with a combined estimated street value of Rs. 102.1 billion.
