Over 167,000 raids and 2,000 arrests under government's anti-drug initiative

Sri Lanka Police said 167,674 drug raids were conducted under its "Ratama Ekata" national operation was launched six months ago.

Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler, told the media that the raids were conducted as a joint operation between Sri Lanka Police, the Tri-Forces, the Special Task Force (STF), and all state institutions.

1,935kg and 393g of heroin, 1,989kg and 817g of 'Ice' (Crystal Meth), 271kg and 434g of cocaine, 5,435kg and 645g of cannabis, 430kg and 233g of Kush, and 1.5 million narcotic capsules were seized part of the operation.

Additionally, 2,746 suspects were arrested, of whom 2,022 have been referred for rehabilitation.

Investigations have also commenced into the assets and properties of 315 suspects.

Wootler continued to urge the public to support the initiative, and use the special hotline (1818) to immediately report any anti-social or illegal activities.

A report released last year by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) highlighted a rising trend of drug use among schoolchildren, with the Western Province, and the Colombo District, reporting the highest number of cases.

"Ratama Ekata"

The "Ratama Ekata" was launched in October 2025, as the government's national-level to disrupt and eradicate the trade of dangerous drugs in the country.

The initiative is managed by a National Steering Committee. and involves a joint effort between the Sri Lanka Police, the Tri-Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), the Special Task Force (STF), Customs, and various state ministries.

Central to this was a call to action for public participation, and purging corrupt officials within public institutions who have historically aided traffickers.