At least 9,410 suspects were nabbed in connection with toxic narcotic offences during a special countrywide operation carried out from June 9 to July 2 to coincide with the National Drug Prevention Week, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Addressing the media, SP Gunasekara said the special operation was carried out by provincial police personnel in collaboration with the officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), Walana Anti-Vice Unit, the Organised Crimes Division and the Special Task Force (STF).

Accordingly, 8 kilogrammes of heroin, 1 kilogramme of cocaine, 266 grammes of ice, 904 kilogrammes of ganja and Kerala ganja were seized by the police. Police also arrested 7,598 suspects in connection with other non-toxic narcotics like illicit liquor during the special operation.

Accordingly, 91,587 litres of illicit liquor including Kasippu, 332,087 litres of Goda, 1,587 litres of unlicensed toddy, 10,614 litres of liquor without a licence, 11,631 sticks of illicit cigarettes and 1,631 other narcotic pills were taken into police custody.

The month-long special operation was launched from June 3 to July 8 in line with the National Drug Prevention Week. However, the figures were in connection with the operation carried out within the three weeks. (Sheain Fernandopulle)