• 16 held on DOs
• Cigarette haul worth Rs. 6.3 Mn. seized
• Narcotics found in Karandeniya

A total of 945 suspects have been arrested from 30 October 2024 to 20 December 2025 during the Ratama Ekata (Nation United) operation, aimed at disrupting the supply of drugs across the country, the Police Media Division stated. Of those arrested, 16 have been held on detention orders for further investigations, and 17 have been referred for rehabilitation. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 637 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 285 grams of heroin, over three kilograms of cannabis, and a large quantity of other substances.

In a separate case, a Sri Lankan national was arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for attempting to smuggle foreign-made cigarettes worth Rs. 6.3 million through the Bandaranaike International Airport yesterday (21). The 21-year-old businessman from Avissawella had arrived from Dubai on Emirates flight EK 652 at around 12.40 a.m. Officials found 210 cartons containing about 42,000 cigarette sticks concealed in luggage and three boxes. He was released on bail and is scheduled to appear before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court on 7 January 2026.

Meanwhile, police also apprehended a 39-year-old individual with a large quantity of ice in Karandeniya. Officers from the Elpitiya Anti-Corruption Unit discovered the narcotics hidden inside a house at the 3rd mile post. The Police Media Division stated the quantity and market value of the seized drugs are still being assessed, and further investigations are ongoing.