• 22,026 suspects arrested within a span of 15 days

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Police Illegal Assets and Properties Investigation Division  has confiscated assets worth Rs. 558.5 million belonging to notorious  criminals and drug traffickers as part of the ongoing island-wide  operation ‘Yukthiya’.   

These properties include vehicles, lands and houses.   

The Public Security Ministry said that 189 suspects are  under investigation related to illegal assets, resulting in the  confiscation of properties.   

Earlier, Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon said that steps  will be taken to confiscate all property and wealth earned illegally  through drug smuggling and underworld activities within the next three  months.   
Accordingly, the Police with the assistance of the STF have  launched an island-wide crack-down on drug smugglers and criminals on  December 17, 2023.   

The Ministry said the operation ‘Yukthiya’ led to the arrest of 22,026 suspects within a span of 15 days.   
The operation resulted in the confiscation of narcotics with an estimated value 
exceeding Rs. 858 million.   

Of the total suspects apprehended, 1,114 individuals are now under further investigation based on 
detention orders.   

Also, 1,338 drug addicts have been directed to rehabilitation centres.   

The Ministry said that the public played a crucial role,  with 10,798 calls providing information about drug-related activities.   

In parallel, a total of 1,725 suspects out of 4,584 individuals listed as island re-convicted criminals were also arrested.   

The Public Security Ministry said this extensive operation  not only disrupted drug trafficking activities but also tackled the  financial underpinnings of criminal enterprises.           

•  1,114 individuals are now under further investigation based on detention orders
• The operation ‘Yukthiya’ led to the arrest of 22,026 suspects within a span of 15 days