Operation 'Yukthiya', launched in December 2023, has led to the detention of nearly 130,000 suspects, according to the the Sri Lanka Police report.
Of these, a staggering 129,825 individuals have been apprehended in connection with drug offenses. Approximately 4,640 suspects have been ordered for further interrogation. Additionally, substantial quantities of illicit substances have been seized.
Police custody currently holds over 270 kg of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 4,571 kg of marijuana, and over 5.3 million marijuana plants.
In a significant development, Midigama Ruwan, an alleged underworld leader and member of an international drug network, has been extradited from Dubai by a team of special officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Authorities suspect Ruwan of orchestrating criminal activities, including the attempted rescue of his brother-in-law Nadun Chinthaka, alias Harak Kata, a notorious figure in the illegal drug trade.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles expressed satisfaction with the progress of 'Yukthiya', noting positive feedback from the public on reduced drug availability and increased prices. He emphasized the operation's focus on targeting drug sellers rather than addicted individuals.
Alles highlighted significant strides in apprehending key figures in drug trafficking, including Harak Kata, Salindu, Manna Ramesh, and Midigama Ruwan. He underscored efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks, prioritizing the apprehension of major players.
'Yukthiya' is spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Police under the Ministry of Public Security, with active participation from the Special Task Force and the Sri Lanka Army, supervised by Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon.
Despite facing criticism from human rights organizations, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Human Rights Council, the operation continues.
