Over 60 drug traffickers among 285 suspects nabbed during special operation

• Drone cameras were also used to monitor the activities of the suspects   

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Around 285 suspects including more than 60 drug traffickers have been arrested during a special seven-hour joint operation carried out yesterday. 

Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said the joint operation was carried out in the Western Province and several Districts in the Southern and Northern Provinces by the Police, STF, Army and the Air Force along with intelligence units.

The operation was conducted from 5.00 am to noon yesterday on the directives of the Minister of Public Security. He said special priority was given to the Western Province covering the Districts of Gampaha, Colombo, and Kalutara, where traffickers are observed to hang out more.

Operations were carried out by the Police Special Task Force, especially targeting drug traffickers in the Northern and Southern Provinces.

The spokesman said one kilogramme of heroin and one kilogramme of cannabis were seized during the operations. Police said an Air Force helicopter was also used for the operation to catch the suspects if they had tried to escape during the operation.

Drone cameras were also used to monitor the activities of the suspects.

SSP Nihal Thalduwa said similar special operations to arrest drug traffickers and drug addicts are to be implemented in various provinces in the coming period.

• Operations were carried out by the Police Special Task Force, especially targeting drug traffickers in the Northern and Southern Provinces