Island-wide operation ‘Yukthiya’ nets over 10,000 suspects

• 106 suspects under investigation for illegal assets, and 886 drug addicts directed to rehabilitation centres
• The Police Narcotics Bureau and the Special Bureau have arrested 885 suspects out of 4,665 individuals listed as Island Re-convicted criminals
• A number of vehicles and properties acquired through illegal means by underworld criminals have been seized

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

A total of 10,456 suspects have been arrested as of yesterday in the island-wide special operation ‘Yukthiya,’ launched last Sunday to curb drug-related and underworld activities.

The Public Security Ministry said that 517 of these suspects are under further investigation with detention orders in place.

Initiated on December 17, the week-long operation by the police, STF and other security forces has yielded significant results.

As of 12:30 am yesterday, police have seized 7.7 kgs of heroin, 3.9 kgs of Ice, 227 kgs of cannabis, 546,040 cannabis plants, 105 kgs of Mawa, 35 kgs of Ash, 551 grams of hashish, 3 kgs of Thule, 520 grams of Kush and 44,267 narcotic pills.

Also, 106 suspects are under investigation for illegal assets, and 886 drug addicts have been directed to rehabilitation centres.

The Police Narcotics Bureau and the Special Bureau have arrested 885 suspects out of 4,665 individuals listed as Island Re-convicted criminals.

In addition, a number of vehicles and properties acquired through illegal means by underworld criminals have been seized.