Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 239,384 suspects during a nine-month anti-narcotics operation, including nearly 1,000 major traffickers, while seizing drugs valued at over Rs. 91 billion and investigating illegal assets.

The Police concluded a significant phase of their nationwide anti-drug campaign, announcing the arrest of 239,384 individuals between late 2025 and mid-2026. Among those detained were 995 major drug traffickers who have been referred for prosecution, according to Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler during a briefing at the National Operation Headquarters on Friday.

The operation resulted in substantial drug seizures across multiple categories. Authorities confiscated 2,253 kilos of heroin valued at approximately Rs. 49.6 billion, alongside 2,640 kilos of crystal methamphetamine worth around Rs. 42.3 billion. Police also recovered nearly 3.6 million narcotic tablets. Between 2024 and 2026, a total of 4,553 kilos of seized drugs were destroyed as part of ongoing disposal efforts.

Investigations into proceeds of drug trafficking have identified suspicious assets totalling Rs. 772 million during the first months of 2026, with legal action initiated to transfer these holdings to the State. This represents a decrease from 2025, when authorities vested Rs. 1,549 million in illegal assets. Police have launched inquiries into the wealth of 378 individuals suspected of involvement in narcotics operations, with ASP Wootler urging the public to report illicit financial gains through the Illegal Assets Investigation Division hotline.

Notably, the campaign has revealed concerning trends regarding youth participation in drug-related offences, with 7,866 individuals aged 18 to 21 and 743 children between 14 and 18 arrested in connection with narcotics. Police credited public cooperation, particularly information received through the anti-drug hotline 1818, as instrumental to the operation's success. Additionally, international efforts have secured the return of 35 suspects through Interpol Red Notices, with proceedings against 94 others currently underway.